Role of transforming growth factor beta in tumor process

The study and application of representatives of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) family in practical medicine remains an urgent task at the present time. A more detailed study of the properties and activity of proteins related to TGF-β opens up new possibilities in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases associated with skeletal muscles, female reproductive system, oncology and the cardiovascular system, as well as in the development of drugs based on them. This work examines the role of TGF-β in tumor development and the potential of this protein as a therapeutic target, as well as the signaling pathway, various marker proteins, and various types of receptors involved in this process. During tumor development, TGF-β uses two pathways: the classic SMAD-dependent pathway and the non-SMAD-dependent pathway. In the early stages of tumorigenesis, TGF-β acts as a tumor suppressor, causing a cytostatic effect and apoptosis in normal and pre-malignant cells. However, after tumor development, TGF-β functions as a tumor promoter, triggering the transition of the epithelium to the mesenchyme, which leads to increased invasiveness and the development of metastases. The role of TGF-β in oncogenesis in various organ systems has been studied, including in breast, colon, stomach, hepatocellular carcinoma, thyroid cancer, etc. Specifically, TGF-β1 causes a wide range of different physiological reactions, regulates development, differentiation, carcinogenesis and tumor progression of epithelial cells, has multiple effects on the entire process of hematopoiesis. Directions for the creation of drugs for the treatment of tumors targeting TGF-β are presented.