Role of the transforming growth factor‐β signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer

The transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling pathway plays an important role in cancer cell proliferation, growth, metastasis, and apoptosis. It has been shown that TGF‐β acts as a tumor suppressor in the early stages of the disease, and as a tumor promoter in its late stages. Mutations in the TGF‐β signaling components, the TGF‐β receptors and cytoplasmic signaling transducers, are frequently observed in colorectal carcinomas. Exploiting specific TGF‐β receptor agonist and antagonist with antitumor properties may be a way of controlling cancer progression. This review summarizes the regulatory role of TGF‐β signaling in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling pathway plays an important role in cancer cell progression including inflammation, angiogenesis, metastasis, cell growth, and apoptosis. Exploiting specific TGF‐β receptor agonist and antagonist with antitumor properties can be considered as a proper procedure to control cancer progression. This review summarizes the regulatory role of TGF‐β signaling in colorectal cancer pathogenesis for a better understanding and hence a better management of the disease.