Mammary gland involution provides a unique model to study the TGF-β cancer paradox

摘要: Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in cancer has been termed the “TGF-β paradox”, acting as both a tumor suppresser and promoter. The complexity of TGF-β within is context dependent, greatly impacted by cellular crosstalk between responsive cells microenvironment including adjacent epithelial, endothelial, mesenchymal, hematopoietic cells. Here we utilize normal, weaning-induced mammary gland involution tissue model to study function. This article reviews facets that are regulated, namely epithelial cell death, immune activation, extracellular matrix remodeling. We outline how distinct responses types during physiologically normal contribute simultaneous suppressive promotional microenvironments. also highlight alternatives direct blocking anti-cancer therapies with an emphasis on eliciting concerted microenvironmental-mediated suppression.