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TGF-β Modulated Pathways in Colorectal Cancer: New Potential Therapeutic Opportunities.
- Source :
-
International journal of molecular sciences [Int J Mol Sci] 2024 Jul 05; Vol. 25 (13). Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jul 05. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with 20% of patients presenting with metastatic disease at diagnosis. TGF-β signaling plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), regulation of the extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and immune responses. TGF-β signals through SMAD proteins, which are intracellular molecules that transmit TGF-β signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus. Alterations in the TGF-β pathway and mutations in SMAD proteins are common in metastatic CRC (mCRC), making them critical factors in CRC tumorigenesis. This review first analyzes normal TGF-β signaling and then investigates its role in CRC pathogenesis, highlighting the mechanisms through which TGF-β influences metastasis development. TGF-β promotes neoangiogenesis via VEGF overexpression, pericyte differentiation, and other mechanisms. Additionally, TGF-β affects various elements of the tumor microenvironment, including T cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages, promoting immunosuppression and metastasis. Given its strategic role in multiple processes, we explored different strategies to target TGF-β in mCRC patients, aiming to identify new therapeutic options.<br />Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1422-0067
- Volume :
- 25
- Issue :
- 13
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- International journal of molecular sciences
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 39000507
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137400