TGF[beta] signaling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF[beta]) is a key regulator of epithelial cell proliferation, immune function and angiogenesis. Because TGF[beta] signaling maintains epithelial homeostasis, dysregulated TGF[beta] signaling is common in many malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Defective TGF[beta] signaling in epithelial cells causes hyperproliferation, reduced apoptosis and increased genomic instability, and the compensatory increase in TGF[beta] production by tumor epithelial cells with TGF[beta] signaling defects further promotes tumor growth and metastases by increasing angiogenesis and inflammation in tumor stromal cells. Here, we review the mouse models that we used to study TGF[beta] signaling in HNSCC. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]