TGF-β signaling in cancer–a double-edged sword

RJ Akhurst, R Derynck - Trends in cell biology, 2001 - cell.com
RJ Akhurst, R Derynck
Trends in cell biology, 2001cell.com
Transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 is a potent growth inhibitor, with tumor-suppressing
activity. Cancers are often refractile to this growth inhibition either because of genetic loss of
TGF-β signaling components or, more commonly, because of downstream perturbation of
the signaling pathway, such as by Ras activation. Carcinomas often secrete excess TGF-β1
and respond to it by enhanced invasion and metastasis. Therapeutic approaches should
aim to inhibit the TGF-β-induced invasive phenotype, but also to retain its growth-inhibitory …
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 is a potent growth inhibitor, with tumor-suppressing activity. Cancers are often refractile to this growth inhibition either because of genetic loss of TGF-β signaling components or, more commonly, because of downstream perturbation of the signaling pathway, such as by Ras activation. Carcinomas often secrete excess TGF-β1 and respond to it by enhanced invasion and metastasis. Therapeutic approaches should aim to inhibit the TGF-β-induced invasive phenotype, but also to retain its growth-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects.
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