High expression of IGFBP7 in fibroblasts induced by colorectal cancer cells is co-regulated by TGF-β and Wnt signaling in a Smad2/3-Dvl2/3-dependent manner.

Fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment are a key determinant in cancer progression and may be a promising target for cancer therapy. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) is known as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study investigated the inductive mechanism of IGFBP7 expression in fibroblasts by supernatant from the CRC cell line, SW620.

[Crosstalk between canonical TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway].

TGF-β signaling pathway plays a central role in the signaling networks that control the growth, differentiation of the cell, and the initiation of fibrosis and cancer. Wnt signaling pathway is critical for the embryonic development and the invasion and migration of cancer cells. TGF-β signaling and Wnt signaling, both of which play an important role in regulating embryonic development, fibrotic disease and tumor progression, have a close relationship.