Background:
SMAD2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SMAD2 gene. SMAD proteins are signal transducers and transcriptional modulators that mediate multiple signaling pathways. SMAD2 mediates the signal of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, and thus regulates multiple cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. This protein is recruited to the TGF-beta receptors through its interaction with the SMAD anchor for receptor activation (SARA) protein.