Transforming growth factor-beta signaling in breast cancer.
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a multifunctional polypeptide that regulates cell growth, differentiation, and extracellular matrix formation. Studies on genetically engineered animal models have demonstrated that TGF-beta-mediated signaling pathway plays a critical role in both normal development and tumorigenesis of the breast. In pathogenesis of breast cancer, the role of TGF-beta appears featured with growth-inhibitory effects at early stages of carcinogenesis, but aggressive oncogenesis with transition to more advanced malignant states. The TGF-beta signaling pathway is also tissue-context and ligand content-dependent. Therein, therapeutic modulation of TGF-beta signaling may be a multifactorial event.
Chang
Ching-Fang
CF
Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA.
Westbrook
Reyhan
R
Ma
Jun
J
Cao
Deliang
D
D001940:Breast / Q000254:growth & development*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*
D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta