Recent advances and molecular mechanisms of TGF-β signaling in colorectal cancer, with focus on bioactive compounds targeting

Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Aug:177:116886. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116886. Epub 2024 Jun 29.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most significant forms of human cancer. It is characterized by its heterogeneity because several molecular factors are involved in contiguity and can link it to others without having a linear correlation. Among the factors influencing tumor transformation in CRC, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a key promoter role. This factor is associated with human colorectal tumors with a very high prognosis: it increases the survival, invasion, and metastasis of CRC cells, thus functioning as an oncogene. The inhibition of this factor can constitute a major therapeutic route for CRC treatment. Various chemical drugs including synthetic molecules and biotherapies have been developed as TGF-β inhibitors. Moreover, the scientific community has recently shown a major interest in screening natural drugs inhibiting TGF-β in CRC. In this context, we carried out this review article using computerized databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, to highlight the molecular mechanism of TGF-β in CRC induction and progression and current advances in the pharmacodynamic effects of natural bioactive substances targeting TGF-β in CRC.

Keywords: Bioactive compounds; Cancer biomarker; Colorectal cancer; Human and disease; Malignancy; TGF-β signaling; Targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Signal Transduction* / drug effects
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta* / metabolism

Substances

  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Antineoplastic Agents