Mechanism of transforming growth factor β in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, and also in the carcinogenesis. Unlike its tumor suppressor function in normal tissue, continuous activation of TGF-β signaling pathway in inflammatory microenvironment and cancer tissue promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Loss of Smad4 and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be the potential mechanisms how TGF-β transforms from a tumor suppressor to a tumor promoter. Further studies on regulatory mechanism of TGF-β signaling pathway are of great significance, which could provide new evidence for preventing and treating HCC. Key words: Transforming growth factor β; Signaling pathway; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Epithelial to mesenchymal transition