| Literature DB >> 19916703 |
Ronan J Kelly1, John C Morris.
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a pleiotropic growth factor that regulates cell growth and differentiation, apoptosis, cell motility, extracellular matrix production, angiogenesis, and cellular immune responses. TGF-beta demonstrates paradoxical action whereby it can function to suppress early tumorigenesis; however, it can also facilitate malignant transformation and stimulate tumor growth by manipulating a more hospitable environment for tumor invasion and the development of metastases. Given the integral role of TGF-beta in transformation and cancer progression, various components of the TGF-beta signaling pathway offer potentially attractive therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. This review focuses on the role of TGF-beta in cancer and discusses both small and large molecule drugs currently in development that target TGF-beta, its receptor and important down stream steps along its signaling pathway.Entities:
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Year: 2010 PMID: 19916703 DOI: 10.3109/15476910903389920
Source DB: PubMed Journal: J Immunotoxicol ISSN: 1547-691X Impact factor: 3.000