SMAD2

SMAD2

A gene on chromosome 18q21.1 that encodes a SMAD family protein, named for their similarity to the Drosophila gene Mothers Against Decapentaplegic (MAD), which are signal transducers and transcription modulators of multiple signalling pathways. SMAD2 mediates the signal of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, and thus regulates multiple cellular processes—e.g., cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. In response to the binding of TGF-beta, SMAD2 is phosphorylated and dissociated from the SMAD anchor for receptor activation (SARA) protein and forms a complex with SMAD4, resulting in transcription regulation.