Diener, K.Need, E.Buchanan, G.Hayball, J.2010-08-122010-08-122010Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, 2010; 14(2):179-1921472-82221744-7631http://hdl.handle.net/2440/59757<h4>Importance of the field</h4>The TGF-beta's are pleiotropic cytokines that regulate multiple cellular functions. Their role in the prostate is important for normal prostate development and also in prostate tumourigenesis.<h4>Areas covered in this review</h4>The interactions TGF-beta-mediated signalling has with maintaining prostate health, as well as its role in prostate tumourigenesis and prostate tumour immune evasion, with emphasis on how a breakdown in these interactions may influence disease progression.<h4>What the reader will gain</h4>That TGF-beta influences normal prostate growth and differentiation by regulating the balance between epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, and involving the androgen receptor pathway. That TGF-beta protects and maintains prostate stem cells and a review of the contrasting role TGF-beta has in prostate tumourigenesis and tumour development, where TGF-beta acts as a tumour suppressor and then switches roles to become a tumour promoter, and creates a local immunosuppressive niche leading to systemic tumour tolerance.<h4>Take home message</h4>TGF-beta signalling in prostate cancer is a valid target for the treatment of this disease; however any therapeutic regimen will require an understanding of all aspects of the TGF-beta-signalling nexus, otherwise by the very pleiotrophic nature of TGF-beta, limited clinical benefits may result.en© 2010 Informa UK Ltdandrogen receptor, immunosuppression, prostate cancer, stem cells, TGF-βJournal article002010020310.1517/147282209035445070002741777000062-s2.0-7494913091533725Diener, K. [0000-0001-8417-5542]Hayball, J. [0000-0002-3089-4506]