Distinct roles of individual Smads in skin carcinogenesis

Sophia Bornstein, Kristina Hoot, Gang Wen Han, Shi Long Lu, Xiao Jing Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling has both tumor suppression and promotion roles. Smads are transcription factors that primarily mediate intracellular signaling for the TGFβ superfamily. Loss of Smad2 and Smad4, but not Smad3 is common in human cancers. Given the complex nature of TGFβ signaling, dissection of the distinct role of each Smad in mediating the multiple functions of TGFβ signaling is warranted. To further analyze Smad deregulation during carcinogenesis, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and Smad7 were genetically modified in murine epidermis, and each alteration resulted in distinct skin phenotypes. Based on data from human cancer samples and from experimental models, Smad2 and Smad4 mainly function as tumor suppressors in skin carcinogenesis in vivo, whereas Smad3 and Smad7 may have dual roles in cancer. This review intends to summarize recent advances in the elucidation of the roles of Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and Smad7 in skin carcinogenesis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)660-664
Number of pages5
JournalMolecular Carcinogenesis
Volume46
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2007

Keywords

  • EMT
  • Genetically engineered mouse model
  • Skin carcinogenesis
  • Smads
  • Transforming growth factor β

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Distinct roles of individual Smads in skin carcinogenesis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this