Transforming growth factor β as regulator of cancer stemness and metastasis

Br J Cancer. 2016 Sep 27;115(7):761-9. doi: 10.1038/bjc.2016.255. Epub 2016 Aug 18.

Abstract

Key elements of cancer progression towards metastasis are the biological actions of cancer stem cells and stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment. Cross-communication between tumour and stromal cells is mediated by secreted cytokines, one of which, the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), regulates essentially every cell within the malignant tissue. In this article, we focus on the actions of TGFβ on cancer stem cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells that assist the overall process of metastatic dissemination. We aim at illustrating intricate connections made by various cells in the tumour tissue and which depend on the action of TGFβ.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / physiology
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / physiopathology*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Neoplasm Proteins / physiology*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology*
  • RNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Stromal Cells / physiology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / physiology*
  • Tumor Escape / physiology
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • RNA, Neoplasm
  • RNA, Untranslated
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1