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Transforming growth factor-β signaling in tumor initiation, progression and therapy in breast cancer: an update

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Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a ubiquitous cytokine playing an essential role in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, adhesion and invasion, as well as in cellular microenvironment. In malignant diseases, TGF-β signaling features a growth inhibitory effect at an early stage but aggressive oncogenic activity at the advanced malignant state. Here, we update the current understanding of TGF-β signaling in cancer development and progression with a focus on breast cancer. We also review the current approaches of TGF-β signaling-targeted therapeutics for human malignancies.

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Abbreviations

CAF:

Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts

EMT:

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition

CdGAP:

Cdc42 GTPase-activating protein

MEC:

Mammary epithelial cell

DMR:

DNA mismatch repair

MSC:

Mesenchymal stem cell

PRD:

Proline-rich domain

PTK:

Protein tyrosine kinase

RANKL:

Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand

TGF-β:

Transforming growth factor-β

TβRI:

Type I TGF-β receptor

TβRII:

Type II TGF-β receptor

VEGF:

Vascular endothelial growth factor

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Acknowledgment

This work is supported by a project from Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (11JJ4068).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Research Institution, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People’s Republic of China

    Xuyu Zu, Qinghai Zhang, Renxian Cao, Jianghua Liu, Jing Zhong & Gebo Wen

  2. Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 913 N. Rutledge Street, Springfield, IL, 62794, USA

    Deliang Cao

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  1. Xuyu Zu
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  2. Qinghai Zhang
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  3. Renxian Cao
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  4. Jianghua Liu
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  7. Deliang Cao
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Correspondence to Deliang Cao.

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Xuyu Zu and Qinghai Zhang contributed equally to this work.

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Zu, X., Zhang, Q., Cao, R. et al. Transforming growth factor-β signaling in tumor initiation, progression and therapy in breast cancer: an update. Cell Tissue Res 347, 73–84 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-011-1225-3

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