Signaling interplay between transforming growth factor-β receptor and PI3K/AKT pathways in cancer

The transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathways are used in cells to control numerous responses, including proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. TGF-beta is known for its cytostatic effect's in premalignant states and its pro-oncogenic activity in advanced cancers. The pro-cell survival response exerted by growth-factor-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT has been linked to stimulation of tumor formation. Both TGF-beta receptor and PI3K/AKT pathways were initially modeled as linear signaling conduits. Although early studies suggested that these two pathways might counteract each other in balancing cell survival, emerging evidence has uncovered multiple modes of intricate signal integration and obligate collaboration in driving cancer progression. These new insights provide the rationale for exploring their dual targeting in cancer.