Transforming Growth Factor-&bgr; Superfamily: Evaluation as Breast Cancer Biomarkers and Preventive Agents

E-ISSN： 1873-5576|4|2|165-182

ISSN： 1568-0096

Source： Current Cancer Drug Targets, Vol.4, Iss.2, 2004-03, pp. : 165-182

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Abstract

The Transforming Growth Factor-&bgr; (TGF&bgr;) 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 ligandmediated 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 TGF&bgr; 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 TGF&bgr; and breast cancer have been recently reviewed in several articles, except for discussion of recent developments on some aspects of TGF&bgr;, 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.