Transforming Growth Factor-beta superfamily: evaluation as breast cancer biomarkers and preventive agents

The Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGFbeta) superfamily of cytokines is comprised of a number of structurally-related, secreted polypeptides that regulate a multitude of cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation and neoplastic transformation. These growth regulatory molecules ind...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCurrent cancer drug targets Vol. 4; no. 2; p. 165
Main Authors Gupta, V, Harkin, D P, Kawakubo, H, Maheswaran, S
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Netherlands 01.03.2004
Subjects
Activins - physiology
Animals
Anti-Mullerian Hormone
Antineoplastic Agents - pharmacology
Biomarkers, Tumor
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins - physiology
Breast Neoplasms - genetics
Breast Neoplasms - prevention & control
Female
Glycoproteins - physiology
Humans
Inhibins - physiology
Nodal Protein
Signal Transduction - drug effects
Testicular Hormones - physiology
Transforming Growth Factor beta - genetics
Transforming Growth Factor beta - pharmacology
Transforming Growth Factor beta - physiology
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Summary:The Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGFbeta) superfamily of cytokines is comprised of a number of structurally-related, secreted polypeptides that regulate a multitude of cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation and neoplastic transformation. These growth regulatory molecules induce ligand-mediated hetero-oligomerization of distinct type II and type I serine/threonine kinase receptors that transmit signals predominantly through receptor-activated Smad proteins but also induce Smad-independent pathways. Ligands, receptors and intracellular mediators of signaling initiated by members of the TGFbeta family are expressed in the mammary gland and disruption of these pathways may contribute to the development and progression of human breast cancer. Since many facets of TGFbeta and breast cancer have been recently reviewed in several articles, except for discussion of recent developments on some aspects of TGFbeta, the major focus of this review will be on the role of activins, inhibins, BMPs, nodal and MIS-signaling in breast cancer with emphasis on their utility as potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets.
ISSN:1568-0096
DOI:10.2174/1568009043481542