TGF-β mediated DNA methylation in prostate cancer.

Abstract

Almost all tumors harbor a defective negative feedback loop of signaling by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation, including DNA methylation, are fundamental to normal cellular function and also play a major role in carcinogenesis. Recent evidence demonstrated that TGF-β signaling mediates cancer development and progression. Many key events in TGF-β signaling in cancer included auto-induction of TGF-β1 and increased expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), suggesting that DNA methylation plays a significant role in cancer development and progression. In this review, we performed an extensive survey of the literature linking TGF-β signaling to DNA methylation in prostate cancer. It appeared that almost all DNA methylated genes detected in prostate cancer are directly or indirectly related to TGF-β signaling. This knowledge has provided a basis for our future directions of prostate cancer research and strategies for prevention and therapy for prostate cancer.

Authors
  • Dash A
  • Jia Z
  • Lee C
  • McClelland M
  • Mercola D
  • Rahmatpanah F
  • Soares MB
  • Zhang Q
  • Zi X
PubMed ID
Appears In
Transl Androl Urol, 2012, 1 (2)