SMAD2 (SMAD family member 2) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway, which is involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.
In some cancers, SMAD2 functions as a tumor suppressor. TGF-β signaling can inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in normal and early-stage cancer cells. In this context, SMAD2 helps to mediate these effects, and its loss or mutation can contribute to tumor progression.
Conversely, in advanced cancers, TGF-β signaling can promote tumor progression and metastasis. In these cases, SMAD2 may contribute to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that allows cancer cells to acquire migratory and invasive properties. This dual role can make targeting the TGF-β/SMAD2 pathway challenging in cancer therapy.
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