Abrogation of Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer

Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) functions as a growth inhibitor for many cell types by inhibiting cell cycle progression. Loss of TGFβ responsiveness can lead to deregulated cell proliferation and ultimately tumor progression. For example, the TGFβ signaling pathway is a frequent target for inactivation in pancreatic cancer. Functional connection between the potent growth inhibitory activity of TGFβ and the tumor suppressor activity of Smads has been well documented. Smads directly modulate transcription of the genes involved in cell cycle progression in response to TGFβ, and that abrogation of this regulation leads to tumor progression. In this review, we summarize recent research progress on TGFβ signaling and pancreatic cancer.