Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and brain tumours.
Since its discovery in the late 1970s considerable research has linked transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) to several human diseases such as fibrosis, auto-immunity and cancer. TGF-beta acts initially as a growth inhibitory factor in early stages of tumour development. In contrast, as tumours evolve, they develop mechanisms to evade the growth-regulatory effects of TGF-beta, resulting in greater tumour invasiveness, increased metastatic potential and inhibition of surrounding immune responses. However, although extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms that trigger tumour cells to "switch" from TGF-beta-inhibited to TGF-beta-promoted are still not fully understood. Contradictory studies that demonstrate opposite cellular effects mediated by TGF-beta are abundant throughout the literature. This review summarizes the current molecular mechanisms involved in the tumour suppressive and tumour progressive characteristics of TGF-beta in brain tumours. Potential therapeutic agents that target TGF-beta and related proteins being evaluated against brain tumours is also discussed.
Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Level 6, Clinical Sciences Building, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia. rluwor@unimelb.edu.au
Rodney B
RB
Luwor
Andrew H
AH
Kaye
Hong-Jian
HJ
Zhu
D000818:Animals; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta