The role of TGF-β in photodegradation and carcinogenesis

Abstract

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays an important role in regulating cell growth and extracellular matrix synthesis. TGF-β stimulates proliferation of fibroblasts in the connective tissue and it is responsible for regeneration of tissues. Disturbances in processes controlled by this cytokine could lead to the carcinogenesis. TGF-β/Smad pathway in cell growth is a very complex and precisely regulated process. This is a crucial factor not only active during the human development but also during the entire human life, where is responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis.

It has been already proven that TGF-β signalling plays an important role in skin carcinogenesis. Available data regarding path dysregulation of TGF-β/Smad indicate unquestionable contribution to tumorigenesis of breast, pancreas or skin cancers. The certain role of this cytokine and proteins of pathway in tumorigenesis still remains questionable. Analyses indicate that UV irradiation alters the TGF-β/Smad pathway in human skin and these alterations may contribute to UV-induced human skin photoaging and skin cancer. This article presents the current knowledge about the role of TGF-β in process of photodegradation and tumorigenesis of skin.