The Dual Role of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) Signaling: Balancing Cellular Senescence and Tumor Progression for Precision Therapeutics
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a complex and dual role in regulating cellular senescence and tumor progression. In normal tissues, TGF-β acts as a tumor suppressor by regulating the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, and maintaining the integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM). These functions collectively restrict tumor initiation and support tissue homeostasis. However, in the tumor microenvironment, sustained TGF-β signaling frequently switches to a tumor-promoting role, driving tumor cell proliferation, metastatic dissemination, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. This review aims to clarify the dual role of TGF-β signaling in cellular senescence and tumor progression. It focuses on the molecular mechanisms that drive its transition between tumor suppression and tumor promotion in various biological contexts. We analyze the key determinants governing this functional switch, including tumor type, cellular environment, and signaling crosstalk. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the clinical challenges of therapeutic TGF-β targeting. We highlight emerging strategies to therapeutically modulate TGF-β signaling, focusing on precision medicine approaches that reconcile its tumor-suppressive and oncogenic functions. By providing a comprehensive understanding of TGF-β's dual role, this review offers new insights that may guide personalized cancer therapies and optimize treatment strategies for improved clinical outcomes.
Elevated Serum Levels of CTRP-6 and Asprosin in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Association with Oxidative Stress Markers and Clinical Manifestations
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects multiple organ systems. The resulting inflammation disrupts adipocyte metabolism, thereby altering the levels of adipokines.
Influence of the Chemotherapeutic Agent Mitomycin C on In Vitro Dendritic Cell Maturation and Interleukin-12 Production in a Colorectal Cancer Model
Antitumor-targeting drugs can stimulate dendritic cells (DCs) indirectly through the shedding of dying tumor cells as part of what is referred to as a "danger signal". Although chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to kill dendritic cells (DCs), the effects of low, non-cytotoxic doses on DC function have not been studied.
Immunogenicity of a Recombinant Subunit Vaccine Against Feline Coronavirus: A Comparative Study of Three Different Adjuvants
Currently, there is no effective vaccine against feline coronavirus infections. The coronavirus Spike (S) protein plays a critical role in viral binding to cell receptors and contains multiple neutralizing antibody epitopes that trigger the host's immune response to combat infection. Selecting an optimized adjuvant is essential to ensure robust vaccine-induced immunity against pathogenic infections.
Toll-like Receptor 2 Signaling Abnormalities Are Associated with Clinical Manifestations in Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is an inborn error of immunity characterized by a defect in terminal B cell differentiation, resulting in hypogammaglobulinemia and impaired production of specific antibodies. Stimulation via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) has been shown to promote the differentiation and functional maturation of late-stage B cells.
Bioinformatic Analysis and Recombinant Expression of the Stonustoxin β-Subunit for Polyclonal Antibody Development
Stonefish (Synanceia spp.) are among the most venomous marine organisms. Their venom contains stonustoxin (SNTX), a heterodimeric toxin that induces severe hemolytic and myotoxic effects primarily mediated by its β-subunit.
Serum ACE2 and Anti-MMR Antibody Profiles in Pediatric Patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) typically manifests with milder symptoms and lower mortality rates in children when compared to adults.
Therapeutic Potential of an Anti-PLAC1 Antibody-Drug Conjugate in a Mouse Model of Human Breast Cancer
Modulation of the CD200/CD200R Axis by IFN-β Treatment in a Mouse Model of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Interferon-b (IFN-β), a glycoprotein released during viral infections, plays a crucial role in modulating T cells involved in multiple sclerosis (MS). CD200 is an immunomodulatory molecule expressed in many cell types, including neurons. It reduces the progression of MS and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by interacting with CD200R, mainly expressed on myeloid lineage cells. This interaction prevents brain damage and slows the progression of the disease.
Interleukin-14 Prevents Cytarabine or Irradiation Induced Neutropenia via JAK/STAT3 Signaling
Severe neutropenia significantly increases the risk of bacterial infections. Recent studies have shown that the cytokine interleukin 14 (IL-14) plays an important role in immune cells, but its potential role in neutropenia induced by cytarabine (ara-c) or irradiation is unclear.
A Novel Homozygous CGA > TGA Mutation at Codon 123 (Exon 6) of B-Linker Protein (BLNK) as a Potential Cause of Hepatopathy and Rickets: A Case Report
BLNK deficiency is a subtype of autosomal recessive immune disorders that involves a lack of B cells, agammaglobulinemia, and recurrent infections. We present the case of a 29-year-old Turkish female with BLNK deficiency caused by a novel homozygous CGA > TGA mutation at codon 123 (exon 6) in the BLNK gene. She developed severe liver failure and rickets at the age of 12. Although BLNK mutations are a rare cause of agammaglobulinemia, it is important to consider them in patients with B-cell deficiency and non-immune involvement.
Extracellular Vesicles from miR-146a Overexpressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuate Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis by Regulating Cytokine Expression
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated therapeutic potential, yet the specific mechanisms involved are not fully understood.
Altered Serum IL-35 Levels and IL-37 Gene Expression in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: Focus on Emerging Cytokines
Parkinson's disease (PD) is increasingly recognized as a condition driven by both central and peripheral inflammatory responses, largely mediated by cytokine activity.
Hypomethylation of OAS2 and OAS3 Gene Promoters: Insights into the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
DNA methylation plays a key role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by regulating gene expression and impacting immune system functions. In SLE, abnormal DNA methylation patterns can lead to the overexpression of pro-inflammatory genes and downregulation of the regulatory genes, contributing to autoimmunity. This dysregulation can increase susceptibility to SLE. Understanding these methylation changes could help discover new therapeutic strategies for managing SLE.
Does Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress Contribute to T-cell Exhaustion in B-ALL?
Glucose deprivation in T lymphocytes can trigger compensatory metabolic pathways, potentially contributing to T-cell exhaustion. Additionally, it may induce the unfolded protein response (UPR), ultimately resulting in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.
Low-dose Radiation Improves Tumor Immune Microenvironment, Enhancing the Effects of Anti-CTLA-4 Therapy
Radiotherapy destroys tumor cells primarily through direct DNA damage by high-energy particles or indirect DNA damage by free radicals. High-dose radiotherapy (HDR) destroys tumor cells while also damaging normal cells and may potentially cause immunosuppression. The effect of low-dose radiotherapy (LDR) on the tumor microenvironment (TME) may differ from those of HDR.
CX3CR1 Functions as a Biomarker Associated with Pathological Tumor Staging in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Prostate Cancer
Previous research has identified several potential biomarkers associated with pathological tumor (pT) staging in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Among these biomarkers, CX3CR1 is notable for its connection to the immune microenvironment..
Evaluation of Dendritic Cell Subpopulations Frequency in COVID-19 Patients and their Correlation with Disease Severity
COVID-19 (2019) clearly demonstrates an imbalanced immune response. Variations in the function and subtypes of dendritic cells (DCs) may have effects on immune responses in COVID-19 patients and contribute to immunopathology.
MicroRNA-146a Inhibits Progression and Immune Evasion in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphomas by Targeting Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1
Earlier studies have highlighted the involvement of miRNA146a in tumor suppression indicating its potential to inhibit the progression of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Soluble HLA-E and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Novel Association
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent clinical condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide..
Transmembrane TNF-α Reverse Signaling Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-induced Inflammation by Regulating the MCPIP1/SIRT1/NF-κB Pathway
Studies have demonstrated that transmembrane tumor necrosis factor-α (tmTNF-α) plays an anti-inflammatory role. tmTNF-α has a dual function, acting as both a signaling ligand and a receptor that transmits reverse signaling to cells expressing tmTNF-α. However, the role and mechanisms of tmTNF-α reverse signaling in sepsis are not fully understood.
