TGFB1 and familial pancreatic carcinoma: TGF-β is capable of promoting cancer cell invasion and progression in various tumor types such as lung, breast and pancreatic cancer.25,26 TGF-β receptors at the cell-surface upon binding TGF-β activate the intracellular Smad-signaling pathway.25 Activated Smads can act as transcription factors to mediate EMT associated with cancer.