Reduction of tgf beta signaling in myeloid cells in the treatment of cancer

Abstract

Methods of inhibiting metastasis in cancer patients are provided, wherein the methods comprise reducing TGFβ signaling, for example, by reducing TGFβ receptor II expression in myeloid cells. Vectors comprising a TGFβ receptor II RNAi nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a myeloid specific promoter also are provided. A method of diagnosing cancer in an individual by determining TGFβ receptor II expression in myeloid cells in the individual is provided. Additionally, a method of modulating TGFβ activity in myeloid cells in a cancer patient comprising administering a regulator of at least one of the GSK3 and PI3K pathways to the patient is provided.

1 .- 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A vector comprising a TGFβ receptor II RNAi nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a myeloid-specific promoter. 
     
     
         16 . The vector of  claim 15 , wherein the vector is a viral vector, a plasmid, a yeast, or a nanoparticle. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method of modulating TGFβ activity in myeloid cells in a cancer patient comprising administering a regulator of at least one of the GSK3 and PI3K pathways to the patient. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein TGFβ activity in myeloid cells is reduced by administering an inhibitor of PI3K or an enhancer of GSK3. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the PI3K inhibitor is LY294002.