Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
06:54

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells

Published on: October 27, 2020

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Transforming Growth Factor-β Pathway: Biological Functions and Therapeutic Targets

Reham Hassan Mekky1, Mohammed E Abo-El Fetoh2, Safaa A Faheem2

  • 1Department of Pharmacognosy Faculty of Pharmacy Egyptian Russian University Badr City Cairo Egypt.

Medcomm
|June 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Natural compounds show promise in cancer treatment by targeting the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway. These natural products modulate TGF-β signaling, offering potential complementary therapies to improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cancer progression involves aberrant cell growth and metastasis, often influenced by the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway.
  • The TGF-β pathway plays a dual role in cancer, initially suppressing tumors but later promoting progression and metastasis.
  • Natural compounds offer potential therapeutic strategies due to their bioactivities and low toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the therapeutic potential of natural products in modulating TGF-β signaling for anticancer effects.
  • To evaluate preclinical and clinical studies on natural products' impact on TGF-β and cancer progression.
  • To explore natural compounds as complementary cancer therapies targeting the TGF-β pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Assessment of natural products' effects on TGF-β modulation.
  • Analysis of impacts on cancer hallmarks like proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Natural compounds, including ginsenosides, halofuginone, and epigallocatechin gallate, modulate TGF-β signaling.
  • These compounds exhibit significant anticancer activity by influencing cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.
  • Plant-derived natural products impact TGF-β signaling pathways crucial for cancer development.

Conclusions:

  • Natural products demonstrate potential as complementary cancer therapies by targeting TGF-β signaling.
  • Modulating TGF-β with natural compounds may improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
  • Further research and clinical evaluation are needed to integrate natural products into conventional cancer treatment.
Keywords:
TGF‐β pathwayangiogenesisapoptosiscancer progressionnatural compoundstherapeutic modulation

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