Research progress on Smad3 protein in hepatocellular carcinoma

作者：Zhufeng Lu, Jinlong Huang, Wei Gan, Yong Weon Yi · 发表于：Zhonghua gan-dan waike zazhi · 年份：2017 · DOI：10.3760/cma.j.issn.1007-8118.2017.06.020 · 研究领域：TGF-β signaling in diseases

Smad3 is a major transporter in the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. It is in charge of the transfer of TGF-β signal from the surface of the cell membrane into the nucleus. The TGF-β signal can be bound to the target gene in the nucleus and regulate its expression. Abnormalities in Smad3 expression level and functional status will lead to abnormal signal transduction, involving cell growth, proliferation, development, differentiation, migration, apoptosis and other basic life activities. This review focused on the differential expression of Smad3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the adjacent tissue. The character of Smad3 in HCC is outlined in three parts: Smad3 upstream signaling source, Smad3 self-assembly maturation and Smad3 downstream effects, which may provide a summary and reference for the follow-up study on Smad3. Key words: Transport protein, Smad3; Transforming growth factor β(TGF-β); Activin; Signal pathway; Hepatocellular carcinoma