The multifunctional role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta s on mammary epithelial cell biology

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 1996;38(1):49-56. doi: 10.1007/BF01803783.

Abstract

The transforming growth factor-beta s are potent growth inhibitors of normal and transformed breast epithelial cells in culture. In vivo, these peptides modulate the development of the mouse mammary gland. Tissue-specific overexpression of mature TGF-beta 1 in transgenic mice results in mammary gland atrophy and prevention of carcinogen-induced breast tumorigenesis. However, the inhibitory effect of endogenous or exogenous TGF-beta s on established tumor cells is less clear. Several published circumstantial and more direct data argue that, in some cases, the tumor cell TGF-beta s may contribute to the maintenance and/or progression of tumor cells in an intact host by modulating their interaction with host factors. This differential role of the TGF-beta s on mammary cells as determined by their normal or transformed phenotype as well as the biological and clinical implications of these data are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast / cytology
  • Breast Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Cell Division
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*

Substances

  • Transforming Growth Factor beta