Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) is a key regulator of embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis, and lesion repair. In tumors, TGF-β is a potent inhibitor of early stage tumorigenesis and promotes late stage tumor progression and metastasis. Here, we review the roles of TGF-β as well as components of its signaling pathways in tumorigenesis. We will discuss how a core property of TGF-β, namely its ability to change cell differentiation, leads to the transition of epithelial cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts to a myofibroblastoid phenotype, changes differentiation and polarization of immune cells, and induces metabolic reprogramming of cells, all of which contribute to the progression of epithelial tumors.
CITATION STYLE
Stuelten, C. H., & Zhang, Y. E. (2021, October 12). Transforming Growth Factor-β: An Agent of Change in the Tumor Microenvironment. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. Frontiers Media S.A. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.764727
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