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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
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
Establishing the role of transforming growth factor beta regulator 4 in cancer progression: A systematic review
Mehwish Khan1, Kamlesh Dekate2, Shakeeb Dhorajiwala3
1Post Graduate Student, MGM Dental College and Hospital, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai, India.
Summary
Transforming Growth Factor-β Regulator 4 (TBRG4) is elevated in many cancers, correlating with advanced stages and poor outcomes. This protein shows potential as a diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarker in various malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with millions affected annually.
- Transforming Growth Factor-β Regulator 4 (TBRG4), a mitochondrial protein, is increasingly implicated in various carcinomas.
- Altered TBRG4 expression is linked to cancer progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), lung, breast, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the role of TBRG4 in cancer progression.
- To consolidate evidence on TBRG4's association with tumor development and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Embase, and Google Scholar.
- Inclusion of ten articles after full-text assessment and quality evaluation using ROBINS-E and QUIPS tools.
Main Results:
- Elevated TBRG4 expression (mRNA and protein) observed in tumor tissues across multiple cancer types.
- Significant correlation between TBRG4 expression and advanced clinical stages (OSCC) and tumor stages (HCC).
- TBRG4 association with poor differentiation, therapeutic resistance, and reduced survival outcomes.
Conclusions:
- TBRG4 is closely linked to tumor progression and adverse outcomes in various malignancies.
- TBRG4 shows potential as a diagnostic adjunct for early lesion stratification (e.g., leukoplakia).
- TBRG4 may serve as a prognostic indicator (OSCC, HCC), predictive biomarker (Colorectal Cancer), and potential therapeutic target.
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