Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2

Mothers Against Decapentaplegic Homolog 2 (often abbreviated as SMAD2) is a protein that, in humans, is encoded by the SMAD2 gene. This protein is a member of the SMAD family, which plays a significant role in the TGF beta signaling pathway.

Function

SMAD2 is a receptor-regulated SMAD and is activated by the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) type I receptor. The activation process involves the phosphorylation of the SMAD2 protein. Once activated, SMAD2 forms a complex with SMAD4, which is then able to enter the cell nucleus and regulate the transcription of target genes.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the SMAD2 gene have been associated with various forms of cancer, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. This is due to the role of SMAD2 in the TGF-β signaling pathway, which is involved in cell growth and differentiation. Mutations that disrupt the function of SMAD2 can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, a hallmark of cancer.

Interactions

SMAD2 has been shown to interact with a variety of other proteins, including SMAD3, SMAD4, and TGFB1. These interactions are crucial for the proper functioning of the TGF-β signaling pathway.

See Also

• SMAD
• Transforming growth factor beta
• TGF beta signaling pathway

References

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