SMAD3

SMAD3

A gene on chromosome 15q22.33 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. SMAD3 mediates the signal of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, and thus regulates multiple cellular processes—e.g., cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. SMAD3 binds to TRE in the promoter of many genes regulated by TGF-beta and forms a complex with SMAD4, resulting in transcription regulation.