Inhibiting Breast Cancer Progression by Exploiting TGFβ Signaling

Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF beta) signaling influences most aspects of cellular function in addition to playing a major role in organ development, remodeling, and repair. Given the wide range of effects induced by TGF beta, it is not surprising that alterations in TGF beta signaling have been implicated in development and progression of many different cancer types. Within the context of breast cancer itself, TGF beta is known to have a dual nature, being both tumor-suppressive during early breast cancer development and tumor-promoting during breast cancer metastasis. Targets for breast cancer therapeutics are greatly needed to decrease morbidity and mortality from this devastating disease. Here, we summarize what is known about TGF beta in breast cancer progression and discuss potential TGF beta targets for breast cancer therapeutics.