Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional polypeptide that regulates cell growth, differentiation, and extracellular matrix formation. Studies on genetically engineered animal models have demonstrated that TGF-β-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-β appears featured with growthinhibitory effects at early stages of carcinogenesis, but aggressive oncogenesis with transition to more advanced malignant states. The TGF-β signaling pathway is also tissue-context and ligand content-dependent. Therein, therapeutic modulation of TGF-β signaling may be a multifactorial event.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 4393-4401 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Frontiers in Bioscience |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Animal model
- Breast cancer
- Cancer therapy
- Mammary gland
- Review
- Smad protein
- TGF-β ligand
- TGF-β receptor
- Tumor promotion
- Tumor suppressor
- Tumor-associated macrophages
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
- General Immunology and Microbiology