Our results indicate (1) that the effects of TGF-beta1 on cell growth can be dissociated from its effects on the uPA/PAI system; (2) that, while TGF-beta1 is a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation and uPA activity in normal cells, it may promote invasion and metastasis of tumour cells by increasing uPA activity and PAI-1 levels; and (3) that sodium butyrate offers a potential approach to preventing tumour development by inhibiting both cell proliferation and invasion. Here, SERPINE1 is linked to neoplasm.