Differential expression of transforming growth factors-beta1, -beta2 and -beta3 in human colon carcinoma.
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is a protein family which affects multiple cellular functions including survival, proliferation, differentiation and adhesion. Among the three known isoforms, TGF-beta1 is commonly overexpressed in solid malignancies. Recent studies in knock-out mice demonstrated non-redundant roles of different TGF-beta isoforms in development. The present study was performed to assess tumour-associated expression of the three TGF-beta isoforms in colon carcinoma. We report that colon carcinoma progression is associated with gradual and significant increases in expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA and proteins. By contrast, TGF-beta3 expression was detected in normal colonic mucosa and, at slightly higher levels, in tumour tissues. In addition, plasma levels of both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 were significantly higher in cancer patients when compared with unaffected individuals. Taken together, our results indicate distinct expression patterns of the three TGF-beta isoforms in colon carcinoma cells and possible systemic effects of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 in tumour patients.
Bellone
G
G
Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Torino, Via Genova, 3, 10126, Turin, Italy. graziella.bellone@unito.it
Carbone
A
A
Tibaudi
D
D
Mauri
F
F
Ferrero
I
I
Smirne
C
C
Suman
F
F
Rivetti
C
C
Migliaretti
G
G
Camandona
M
M
Palestro
G
G
Emanuelli
G
G
Rodeck
U
U
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D053781:Transforming Growth Factor beta2; D053782:Transforming Growth Factor beta3
D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C508960:TGFB1 protein, human; C509041:TGFB2 protein, human; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D053781:Transforming Growth Factor beta2; D053782:Transforming Growth Factor beta3