Transforming Growth Factor Beta Structure and Functions Focused on Biological Roles in Cancer Cell Signaling



Sanjabi F¹ ; Babini H² ; Akbari A³
Source: Advances in Medicine and Biology Published:2021

Abstract

The transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta family includes a large number of multi-secreted functional cytokines which are similar in structure. These proteins are primarily synthesized as a large precursor with an amino-terminal signal sequence and a pro-domain. Indeed, TGF-β family members are synthesized as pre-and pro-peptide precursors and are mainly secreted and stored as a latent complex in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The TGF-β family members have been well-known to be implicated in the regulation of different cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and migration and cell death. Most ligands of these proteins signal through transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptors and Smad proteins to regulate cellular functions. In addition to the canonical Smad transcription factor signaling, TGF-β can promote tumor growth and survival by inhibiting proinflammatory signaling and ECM remodeling. The biological functions of TGF-β are mediated mostly in response to environmental perturbations, which may contribute to a broad range of pathologies such as cancer. TGF-β signaling can transduce immunosuppressive, biochemical, and mechanical signals in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, it can play a role either as a tumor suppressor or as an activator in tumorigenesis, based on the tumor microenvironment. Hence, we cannot underestimate the prominent role of TGF-β in the potential antitumor strategies for cancer management. This chapter focuses on the structural characteristics of TGF-β and its diverse biological activities in cancer signaling pathways. It also presents current information about the role of one of the most important growth factor families, TGF-β, in cancer cell signaling. © 2021 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.