Overexpression of transforming growth factor β1 in head and neck epithelia results in inflammation, angiogenesis, and epithelial hyperproliferation

Shi Long Lu, Douglas Reh, Allen G. Li, Jennifer Woods, Christopher L. Corless, Molly Kulesz-Martin, Xiao Jing Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

174 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the present study, we show that transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was frequently overexpressed in human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) and adjacent tissues in comparison with normal head and neck tissues. To determine the role of TGF-β1 overexpression in HNSCC carcinogenesis, we generated transgenic mice in which TGF-β1 transgene expression can be induced in head and neck epithelia. TGF-β1 transgene induction in head and neck epithelia, at levels similar to those in human HNSCCs, caused severe inflammation and angiogenesis. Consequently, TGF-β1-transgenic epithelia exhibited hyperproliferation. These phenotypes correlated with enhanced Smad signaling in transgenic epithelia and stroma. Our study suggests that TGF-β1 overexpression at early stages of HNSCC formation provides a tumor promoting microenvironment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4405-4410
Number of pages6
JournalCancer Research
Volume64
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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