Research Article

Modulation of TGF-Β Signaling to Enhance Irinotecan Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer

Volume: 23 Number: 1 March 3, 2026
TR EN

Modulation of TGF-Β Signaling to Enhance Irinotecan Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Impaired Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) signaling contributes to colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Targeting TGF-β receptors (TGFβR) in combination with established chemotherapies may enhance treatment efficacy. This study investigates the effects of a TGFβR-I/II inhibitor (LY2109761) on the cytotoxic activity of irinotecan in the human colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116.

Materials and Methods: LY2109761 was used to pharmacologically inhibit TGFβR-I/II in HCT-116 cells. Cell viability following treatment with irinotecan, LY2109761, or their combination was assessed using the MTT assay. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) quantified mRNA levels of genes associated with cell death, cell cycle, and TGF-β signaling.

Results: Combination therapy of LY2109761 and irinotecan significantly reduced cell viability in HCT-116 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Enhanced expression of cell cycle inhibitor P21 and increased markers of apoptosis and autophagy were observed.

Conclusions:  The combination of LY2109761 and irinotecan exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity compared to irinotecan alone, suggesting this approach as a promising therapeutic strategy for CRC.

 

Keywords

Project Number

yok

Ethical Statement

This study does not involve any clinical or experimental research on humans or animals that would require ethical committee approval.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Cancer Cell Biology, Cancer Therapy (Excl. Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy), Molecular Targets

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

March 3, 2026

Publication Date

March 3, 2026

Submission Date

January 18, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 5, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 23 Number: 1

APA
Ay, E. N., Sarıman, M., & Acar, M. (2026). Modulation of TGF-Β Signaling to Enhance Irinotecan Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer. Harran Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi, 23(1), 14-20. https://doi.org/10.35440/hutfd.1622831
AMA
1.Ay EN, Sarıman M, Acar M. Modulation of TGF-Β Signaling to Enhance Irinotecan Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer. Harran Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;23(1):14-20. doi:10.35440/hutfd.1622831
Chicago
Ay, Ebru Nur, Melda Sarıman, and Muradiye Acar. 2026. “Modulation of TGF-Β Signaling to Enhance Irinotecan Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer”. Harran Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi 23 (1): 14-20. https://doi.org/10.35440/hutfd.1622831.
EndNote
Ay EN, Sarıman M, Acar M (March 1, 2026) Modulation of TGF-Β Signaling to Enhance Irinotecan Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer. Harran Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi 23 1 14–20.
IEEE
[1]E. N. Ay, M. Sarıman, and M. Acar, “Modulation of TGF-Β Signaling to Enhance Irinotecan Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer”, Harran Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 14–20, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.35440/hutfd.1622831.
ISNAD
Ay, Ebru Nur - Sarıman, Melda - Acar, Muradiye. “Modulation of TGF-Β Signaling to Enhance Irinotecan Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer”. Harran Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi 23/1 (March 1, 2026): 14-20. https://doi.org/10.35440/hutfd.1622831.
JAMA
1.Ay EN, Sarıman M, Acar M. Modulation of TGF-Β Signaling to Enhance Irinotecan Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer. Harran Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;23:14–20.
MLA
Ay, Ebru Nur, et al. “Modulation of TGF-Β Signaling to Enhance Irinotecan Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer”. Harran Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 23, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 14-20, doi:10.35440/hutfd.1622831.
Vancouver
1.Ebru Nur Ay, Melda Sarıman, Muradiye Acar. Modulation of TGF-Β Signaling to Enhance Irinotecan Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer. Harran Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026 Mar. 1;23(1):14-20. doi:10.35440/hutfd.1622831

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