TGFβ1 induces endometrial cancer cell adhesion and migration by up-regulating integrin αvβ3 via SMAD-independent MEK-ERK1/2 signaling

Endometrial cancer is the most common, and second most lethal, gynecological malignancy, and its rates of incidence and death are growing. This is likely attributable to increased numbers of high-risk type II endometrial cancers which account for ~ 30% of cases but ~ 75% of deaths due to their aggressive and metastatic behaviour. Histopathological and in vitro functional studies suggest that aberrant TGFβ1 signaling may contribute to endometrial...