The role of the extracellular matrix protein TGFBI in cancer.

Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)

The secreted extracellular protein, transforming growth factor beta induced (TGFBI or βIGH3), has roles in regulating numerous biological functions, including cell adhesion and bone formation, both during embryonic development and during the pathogenesis of human disease. TGFBI has been most studied in the context of hereditary corneal dystrophies, where mutations in TGFBI result in accumulation of TGFBI in the cornea. In cancer, early studies focused on TGFBI as a tumor suppressor, in part by promoting chemotherapy sensitivity. However, in established tumors, TGFBI largely has a role in promoting tumor progression, with elevated levels correlating to poorer clinical outcomes. As an important regulator of cancer progression, TGFBI expression and function is tightly regulated by numerous mechanisms including epigenetic silencing through promoter methylation and microRNAs. Mechanisms to target TGFBI have potential clinical utility in treating advanced cancers, while assessing TGFBI levels could be a biomarker for chemotherapy resistance and tumor progression.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Corona, A; Blobe, GC

Published Date

  • August 2021

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 84 /

Start / End Page

  • 110028 -

PubMed ID

  • 33940163

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1873-3913

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110028

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England