Because of the essential role LTBPs play in regulating TGFβ activity and additional function in maintaining ECM structure, the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of LTBPs will help understanding the role of TGFβ in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, and allow the development of optimal therapeutic agents that target the activity of TGFβ in cancer. The gene discussed is TGFB1; the disease is cancer.