TGF-β1 is one of three TGF-β ligands (β1, β2, β3) that initiate the TGF-β signaling cascade.
In the context of cancer, TGF-β1 plays a dual role:
Tumor Suppressor in Early Stages: In normal and early-stage tumor cells, TGF-β1 typically inhibits cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and maintains tissue homeostasis.
Tumor Promoter in Advanced Stages: As cancer progresses, TGF-β1 often promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enhances invasiveness, contributes to immune evasion, and fosters a pro-metastatic microenvironment.
Role in Early Tumorigenesis: Acts as a tumor suppressor via growth arrest and apoptosis.
Role in Advanced Cancers: Promotes EMT, invasion, metastasis, and immune suppression.
Expression in Cancer Types: Increased in advanced/ aggressive tumors in many cancer types.
Prognostic Implications Elevated TGF-β1: associated with poor prognosis in several cancers due to its pro-tumorigenic functions.
Therapeutic Targeting Blocking TGF-β1 activity (via antibodies or ligand traps) to reduce its tumor-promoting actions.
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