Regulation of smad function by phosphorylation

• The importance of TGF-β signaling in the suppression of tumorigenesis is supported by the presence of frequent mutations in genes encoding both TGF-β receptors and intermediates in this signaling pathway in cancer. In epithelial cancers sporadic mutations have been found in the genes encoding both the receptor-activated Smad2 (MADH2) and the common intermediate, Smad4 (MADH4). Germline mutations in MADH4 and in BMPR1 (BMP type 1 receptor gene) are the most common mutations in the familial cancer syndrome, Familial Juvenile Polyposis, FJP. More recent studies have revealed epigenetic mechanisms that also play important roles in subverting the function of this pathway. In this chapter, we discuss some of these mechanisms, and provide insight into novel ways in which Smad signaling contributes to the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and ultimately to the suppression of cancer

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pop (ämneskategori)

kap (ämneskategori)