Beyond TGFβ: roles of other TGFβ superfamily members in cancer

Much of the focus on the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) superfamily in cancer has revolved around the TGF beta ligands themselves. However, it is now becoming apparent that deregulated signalling by many of the other superfamily members also has crucial roles in both the development of tumours and metastasis. Furthermore, these signalling pathways are emerging as plausible therapeutic targets. Their roles in tumorigenesis frequently reflect their function in embryonic development or in adult tissue homeostasis, and their influence extends beyond the tumours themselves, to the tumour microenvironment and more widely to complications of cancer such as cachexia and bone loss.