In the field of cancer research, scientists are always looking for potential targets that can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. However, there is one star molecule, transforming growth factor (TGF-), which plays a role in the development and progression of cancer. It inhibits tumor progression caused by precancerous cells, but it also promotes tumor spread. Therefore, figuring out how and when TGF- switches its function, from tumor suppressor to tumor cell metastasis promoter, has been an unsolved mystery.
Transforming growth factor (TGF-) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays an important role in many biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune response. Under normal physiological conditions, TGF- mainly exerts its antitumor effect, inhibiting the occurrence and development of tumors by activating tumor suppressor genes and regulating immune responses. However, during the development of cancer, the function of TGF- may change and become a promoter of tumor cell metastasis.
Studies have found that the tumor suppressor effect of TGF- is mainly achieved through the activation of tumor suppressor genes. These genes include p21, p15, p16, etc., which can inhibit the cell cycle and promote the cell to enter a quiescent state, thereby preventing the development and progression of tumors. However, in the tumor microenvironment, TGF- may promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells by activating other signaling pathways, such as Wnt-Catenin, RAS RAF MEK ERK, and PI3K AKT. In addition, TGF- may also induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to promote tumor cells to detach from the primary site and metastasize to other organs.
In order to gain insight into the role of TGF- in cancer, scientists have conducted a lot of research. Some studies have found that TGF- may have different roles in the development and progression of tumors, depending on the type, stage, microenvironment, and biological characteristics of the tumor. For example, in solid tumors such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, TGF- mainly plays a role in tumor suppression; In hematologic tumors (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, etc.), TGF- may promote the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells.
To better understand and take advantage of the dual properties of TGF-, scientists are exploring different strategies to develop targets against TGF-. These strategies include neutralizing TGF- with antibodies, developing inhibitors of the TGF- signaling pathway, and using gene editing techniques to alter TGF- expression and function. However, these methods also require extensive clinical trials to ensure their safety and efficacy.
In conclusion, transforming growth factor (TGF-) plays a complex role in the initiation and progression of cancer, both inhibiting tumor progression caused by precancerous cells and promoting tumor spread. Understanding and mastering the functional switching mechanism of TGF- is of great significance for the development of targeted TGF-targeting **. Although there are still many challenges on the road to studying TGF, scientists firmly believe that through unremitting efforts, the mystery of TGF- in cancer will eventually be revealed and new hope will be brought to cancer patients.