scholarly journals The Role of TGF-β Signaling Pathways in Cancer and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Yun Yang ◽  
Wen-Long Ye ◽  
Ruo-Nan Zhang ◽  
Xiao-Shun He ◽  
Jing-Ru Wang ◽  
...  

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway mediates various biological functions, and its dysregulation is closely related to the occurrence of malignant tumors. However, the role of TGF-β signaling in tumorigenesis and development is complex and contradictory. On the one hand, TGF-β signaling can exert antitumor effects by inhibiting proliferation or inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. On the other hand, TGF-β signaling may mediate oncogene effects by promoting metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune escape. This review summarizes the recent findings on molecular mechanisms of TGF-β signaling. Specifically, this review evaluates TGF-β′s therapeutic potential as a target by the following perspectives: ligands, receptors, and downstream signaling. We hope this review can trigger new ideas to improve the current clinical strategies to treat tumors related to the TGF-β signaling pathway.

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Mahmood Tavakkoli ◽  
Saeed Aali ◽  
Borzoo Khaledifar ◽  
Gordon A. Ferns ◽  
Majid Khazaei ◽  
...  

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Post-surgical adhesion bands (PSABs) are a common complication after abdominal or pelvic surgeries for different reasons like cancer treatment. Despite improvements in surgical techniques and the administration of drugs or the use of physical barriers, there has only been limited improvement in the frequency of postoperative adhesions. Complications of PSAB are pain, infertility, intestinal obstruction, and increased mortality. The most important molecular mechanisms for the development of PSAB are inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and overexpression of pro-fibrotic molecules such as transforming growth factor β. However, questions remain about the pathogenesis of this problem, for example, the causes for individual differences or why certain tissue sites are more prone to post-surgical adhesions. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Addressing the pathological causes of PSAB, the potential role of local angiotensin II/angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AngII/AT1R), may help to prevent this problem. <b><i>Key Message:</i></b> The objective of this article was to explore the role of the AngII/AT1R axis potential to induce PSAB and the therapeutic potential of angiotensin receptor blockers in the prevention and treatment of PSAB.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Christopher D. Kontos ◽  
Brian H. Annex ◽  
Aleksander S. Popel

AbstractThe Ang–Tie signaling pathway is an important vascular signaling pathway regulating vascular growth and stability. Dysregulation in the pathway is associated with vascular dysfunction and numerous diseases that involve abnormal vascular permeability and endothelial cell inflammation. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the Ang–Tie pathway has been limited due to the complex reaction network formed by the ligands, receptors, and molecular regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we developed a mechanistic computational model of the Ang–Tie signaling pathway validated against experimental data. The model captures and reproduces the experimentally observed junctional localization and downstream signaling of the Ang–Tie signaling axis, as well as the time-dependent role of receptor Tie1. The model predicts that Tie1 modulates Tie2’s response to the context-dependent agonist Ang2 by junctional interactions. Furthermore, modulation of Tie1’s junctional localization, inhibition of Tie2 extracellular domain cleavage, and inhibition of VE-PTP are identified as potential molecular strategies for potentiating Ang2’s agonistic activity and rescuing Tie2 signaling in inflammatory endothelial cells.


2021 ◽  
Vol 221 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Zhou ◽  
Yasamin Dabiri ◽  
Rodrigo A. Gama-Brambila ◽  
Shahrouz Ghafoory ◽  
Mukaddes Altinbay ◽  
...  

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling plays a fundamental role in metazoan development and tissue homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms concerning the ubiquitin-related dynamic regulation of TGF-β signaling are not thoroughly understood. Using a combination of proteomics and an siRNA screen, we identify pVHL as an E3 ligase for SMAD3 ubiquitination. We show that pVHL directly interacts with conserved lysine and proline residues in the MH2 domain of SMAD3, triggering degradation. As a result, the level of pVHL expression negatively correlates with the expression and activity of SMAD3 in cells, Drosophila wing, and patient tissues. In Drosophila, loss of pVHL leads to the up-regulation of TGF-β targets visible in a downward wing blade phenotype, which is rescued by inhibition of SMAD activity. Drosophila pVHL expression exhibited ectopic veinlets and reduced wing growth in a similar manner as upon loss of TGF-β/SMAD signaling. Thus, our study demonstrates a conserved role of pVHL in the regulation of TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling in human cells and Drosophila wing development.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Ursoli Ferreira ◽  
Lucas Eduardo Botelho Souza ◽  
Carolina Hassibe Thomé ◽  
Mariana Tomazini Pinto ◽  
Clarice Origassa ◽  
...  

The endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a biological process where endothelial cells (ECs) acquire a fibroblastic phenotype after concomitant loss of the apical-basal polarity and intercellular junction proteins. This process is critical to embryonic development and is involved in diseases such as fibrosis and tumor progression. The signaling pathway of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is an important molecular route responsible for EndMT activation. However, it is unclear whether the anatomic location of endothelial cells influences the activation of molecular pathways responsible for EndMT induction. Our study investigated the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in EndMT induced by TGF-β2 in macrovascular ECs obtained from different sources. For this purpose, we used four types of endothelial cells (coronary artery endothelial cells, CAECs; primary aortic endothelial cells PAECs; human umbilical vein endothelia cells, HUVECs; and human pulmonary artery endothelial cells, HPAECs) and stimulated with 10 ng/mL of TGF-β2. We observed that among the ECs analyzed in this study, PAECs showed the best response to the TGF-β2 treatment, displaying phenotypic changes such as loss of endothelial marker and acquisition of mesenchymal markers, which are consistent with the EndMT activation. Moreover, the PAECs phenotypic transition was probably triggered by the extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway activation. Therefore, the anatomical origin of ECs influences their ability to undergo EndMT and the selective inhibition of the ERK pathway may suppress or reverse the progression of diseases caused or aggravated by the involvement EndMT activation.


Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Papoutsoglou ◽  
Corentin Louis ◽  
Cédric Coulouarn

Cholangiocarcinoma is a deadly cancer worldwide, associated with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Although cholangiocarcinoma accounts for less than 15% of liver primary cancer, its silent nature restricts early diagnosis and prevents efficient treatment. Therefore, it is of clinical relevance to better understand the molecular basis of cholangiocarcinoma, including the signaling pathways that contribute to tumor onset and progression. In this review, we discuss the genetic, molecular, and environmental factors that promote cholangiocarcinoma, emphasizing the role of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway in the progression of this cancer. We provide an overview of the physiological functions of TGFβ signaling in preserving liver homeostasis and describe how advanced cholangiocarcinoma benefits from the tumor-promoting effects of TGFβ. Moreover, we report the importance of noncoding RNAs as effector molecules downstream of TGFβ during cholangiocarcinoma progression, and conclude by highlighting the need for identifying novel and clinically relevant biomarkers for a better management of patients with cholangiocarcinoma.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 107 (12) ◽  
pp. 4589-4596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei Dong ◽  
Gerard C. Blobe

AbstractThe transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is an essential regulator of cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, migration, and cell survival. During hematopoiesis, the TGF-β signaling pathway is a potent negative regulator of proliferation while stimulating differentiation and apoptosis when appropriate. In hematologic malignancies, including leukemias, myeloproliferative disorders, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma, resistance to these homeostatic effects of TGF-β develops. Mechanisms for this resistance include mutation or deletion of members of the TGF-β signaling pathway and disruption of the pathway by oncoproteins. These alterations define a tumor suppressor role for the TGF-β pathway in human hematologic malignancies. On the other hand, elevated levels of TGF-β can promote myelofibrosis and the pathogenesis of some hematologic malignancies through their effects on the stroma and immune system. Advances in the TGF-β signaling field should enable targeting of the TGF-β signaling pathway for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.


2008 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 579-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen D. Kollias ◽  
John C. McDermott

The superfamily of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) cytokines has been shown to have profound effects on cellular proliferation, differentiation, and growth. Recently, there have been major advances in our understanding of the signaling pathway(s) conveying TGF-β signals to the nucleus to ultimately control gene expression. One tissue that is potently influenced by TGF-β superfamily signaling is skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle ontogeny and postnatal physiology have proven to be exquisitely sensitive to the TGF-β superfamily cytokine milieu in various animal systems from mice to humans. Recently, major strides have been made in understanding the role of TGF-β and its closely related family member, myostatin, in these processes. In this overview, we will review recent advances in our understanding of the TGF-β and myostatin signaling pathways and, in particular, focus on the implications of this signaling pathway for skeletal muscle development, physiology, and pathology.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (39) ◽  
pp. 4611-4618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reyhaneh Moradi-Marjaneh ◽  
Majid Khazaei ◽  
Gordon A. Ferns ◽  
Seyed H. Aghaee-Bakhtiari

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers globally and is associated with a high mortality rate. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays an important role in normal intestinal tissue function, but has also been implicated in the development of CRC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have also recently emerged as important regulators of cancer development and progression. They act by targeting multiple signaling pathways including the TGF-β signaling pathway. There is growing evidence demonstrating that miRNAs target various components of the TGF-β signaling pathway, including TGF-β1, TGF-β2, regulatory SMADs (SMAD1, 2, 3, 5 and 9), co-mediator SMAD4, inhibitory SMADs (SMAD6 and 7) and the TGF-β receptors, and thereby alter the proliferation and migration of CRC cells. In this review, we summarize the data concerning the interaction between TGF-β signaling pathway and miRNAs with the aim to better understanding the CRC molecular mechanisms and hence better management of this disease.


2007 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 2905-2910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana C. Waghabi ◽  
Michelle Keramidas ◽  
Claudia M. Calvet ◽  
Marcos Meuser ◽  
Maria de Nazaré C. Soeiro ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The antiinflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) plays an important role in Chagas disease, a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. In the present study, we show that SB-431542, an inhibitor of the TGF-β type I receptor (ALK5), inhibits T. cruzi-induced activation of the TGF-β pathway in epithelial cells and in cardiomyocytes. Further, we demonstrate that addition of SB-431542 greatly reduces cardiomyocyte invasion by T. cruzi. Finally, SB-431542 treatment significantly reduces the number of parasites per infected cell and trypomastigote differentiation and release. Taken together, these data further confirm the major role of the TGF-β signaling pathway in both T. cruzi infection and T. cruzi cell cycle completion. Our present data demonstrate that small inhibitors of the TGF-β signaling pathway might be potential pharmacological tools for the treatment of Chagas disease.


Author(s):  
Xin Li ◽  
Fanchen Wang ◽  
Xiaolin Xu ◽  
Jinguo Zhang ◽  
Guoxiong Xu

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is a transducer protein and acts as a transcription factor but its role in ovarian cancer (OC) is not completely understood. Practically, there are two-faced effects of STAT1 on tumorigenesis in different kinds of cancers. Existing evidence reveals that STAT1 has both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting functions involved in angiogenesis, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, drug resistance, stemness, and immune responses mainly through interacting and regulating target genes at multiple levels. The canonical STAT1 signaling pathway shows that STAT1 is phosphorylated and activated by the receptor-activated kinases such as Janus kinase in response to interferon stimulation. The STAT1 signaling can also be crosstalk with other signaling such as transforming growth factor-β signaling involved in cancer cell behavior. OC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to symptomless or atypical symptoms and the lack of effective detection at an early stage. Furthermore, patients with OC often develop chemoresistance and recurrence. This review focuses on the multi-faced role of STAT1 and highlights the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of STAT1 in OC.


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