Transforming Growth Factor-β: An Agent of Change in the Tumor Microenvironment

Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a key regulator of embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis, and lesion repair. In tumors, TGF-beta is a potent inhibitor of early stage tumorigenesis and promotes late stage tumor progression and metastasis. Here, we review the roles of TGF-beta as well as components of its signaling pathways in tumorigenesis. We will discuss how a core property of TGF-beta, namely its ability to change cell differentiation, leads to the transition of epithelial cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts to a myofibroblastoid phenotype, changes differentiation and polarization of immune cells, and induces metabolic reprogramming of cells, all of which contribute to the progression of epithelial tumors.

Automated summary

TGF-beta plays a dual role in tumors, acting as an inhibitor of early-stage tumorigenesis while promoting late-stage tumor progression and metastasis. Through its ability to alter cell differentiation, TGF-beta induces transitions of various cell types, contributing to the progression of epithelial tumors.