Interplay between TGF-β signaling and long non-coding RNAs in digestive system cancers: mechanisms and biological implications

The interaction between the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been known to contribute to the progression and metastasis of digestive system cancers. Dysregulated expression of lncRNAs associated with the TGFβ-Smad signaling pathway is correlated with several clinical features in digestive system cancers. These lncRNAs regulate multiple biological functions, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor growth, and immune responses. They interact with key molecules in the TGFβ-Smad pathway to influence gene transcription and cellular behavior. Alterations in the expression of these lncRNAs can serve as valuable biomarkers for early detection and prognosis. Targeting the lncRNA-TGFβ axis offers a novel approach to cancer treatment. This review summarizes the interactions between the TGFβ signaling pathway and lncRNAs in digestive system cancers, highlighting their potential in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.