TGF-β: duality of function between tumor prevention and carcinogenesis
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2014•academic.oup.com
Several mechanisms underlying tumor progression have remained elusive, particularly in
relation to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Although TGF-β initially inhibits epithelial
growth, it appears to promote the progression of advanced tumors. Defects in normal TGF-β
pathways partially explain this paradox, which can lead to a cascade of downstream events
that drive multiple oncogenic pathways, manifesting as several key features of
tumorigenesis (uncontrolled proliferation, loss of apoptosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal …
relation to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Although TGF-β initially inhibits epithelial
growth, it appears to promote the progression of advanced tumors. Defects in normal TGF-β
pathways partially explain this paradox, which can lead to a cascade of downstream events
that drive multiple oncogenic pathways, manifesting as several key features of
tumorigenesis (uncontrolled proliferation, loss of apoptosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal …
Abstract
Several mechanisms underlying tumor progression have remained elusive, particularly in relation to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Although TGF-β initially inhibits epithelial growth, it appears to promote the progression of advanced tumors. Defects in normal TGF-β pathways partially explain this paradox, which can lead to a cascade of downstream events that drive multiple oncogenic pathways, manifesting as several key features of tumorigenesis (uncontrolled proliferation, loss of apoptosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, sustained angiogenesis, evasion of immune surveillance, and metastasis). Understanding the mechanisms of TGF-β dysregulation will likely reveal novel points of convergence between TGF-β and other pathways that can be specifically targeted for therapy.
Oxford University Press