Roles of TGF-β signaling pathway in tumor microenvirionment and cancer therapy

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway has pleiotropic effects on cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, senescence, and apoptosis. TGF-beta can be widely produced by various immune or non-immune cells and regulate cell behaviors through autocrine and paracrine. It plays essential roles in biological processes including embryological development, immune response, and tumor progression. Few cell signalings can contribute to so many pleiotropic functions as the TGF-beta signaling pathway in mammals. The significant function of TGF-beta signaling in tumor progression and evasion leading it to draw great attention in scientific and clinical research. Understanding the mechanism of TGF-beta signaling provides us with chances to potentiate the effectiveness and selectivity of this therapeutic method. Herein, we review the molecular and cellular mechanisms of TGF-beta signaling in carcinomas and tumor microenvironment. Then, we enumerate main achievements of TGF-beta blockades used or being evaluated in cancer therapy, providing us opportunities to improve therapeutical approaches in the tumor which thrive in a TGF-beta-rich environment.