A delicate balance: TGF-beta and the tumor microenvironment

作者：Stover Daniel G; Bierie Brian; Moses Harold L^*

来源：Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 2007, 101(4): 851-861.

DOI：10.1002/jcb.21149

• TGF-beta
• transforming growth factor beta
• tumor microenvironment
• cancer
• carcinoma
• stromal-epithelial interactions

The activated form of TGF-beta is a known regulator of epithelial cell autonomous tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Recent Studies have also indicated that TGF-beta mediates interactions between cancer cells and their local tumor microenvironment. Specifically, the loss of TGF-beta signaling in stromal components including fibroblasts and T-cells can result in an "activated" microenvironment that supports and even initiates transformation of adjacent epithelial cells. TGF-beta signaling in cancer can be regulated through mechanisms involving ligand activation and expression of essential components within the pathway including the receptors and downstream effectors. TGF-beta signaling in the tumor microenvironment significantly impacts carcinoma initiation, progression, and metastasis via epithelial cell autonomous and interdependent stromal-epithelial interactions in vivo.

• 出版日期2007-7-1