The role of TGFβ in hematopoiesis and myeloid disorders

Leukemia. 2019 May;33(5):1076-1089. doi: 10.1038/s41375-019-0420-1. Epub 2019 Feb 28.

Abstract

The role of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling in embryological development and tissue homeostasis has been thoroughly characterized. Its canonical downstream cascade is well known, even though its true complexity and other non-canonical pathways are still being explored. TGFβ signaling has been described as an important pathway involved in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. In the hematopoietic compartment, the TGFβ pathway is an important regulator of proliferation and differentiation of different cell types and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a diverse variety of bone marrow disorders. Due to its importance in hematological diseases, novel inhibitors of this pathway are being developed against a number of hematopoietic disorders, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In this review, we provide an overview of the TGFβ pathway, focusing on its role in hematopoiesis and impact on myeloid disorders. We will discuss therapeutic interventions with promising results against MDS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
  • Clinical Studies as Topic
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Drug Development
  • Hematopoiesis* / drug effects
  • Hematopoiesis* / genetics
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / drug therapy
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / etiology
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / metabolism
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / pathology
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / drug therapy
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / etiology*
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / metabolism*
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / pathology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*

Substances

  • Transforming Growth Factor beta