| Protein Name | SMAD Family Member 7 |
| Gene | SMAD7 |
| UniProt ID | O15117 |
| PDB IDs | 1U7V, 1USC, 2L4J |
| Molecular Weight | 46 kDa |
| Subcellular Localization | Cytoplasm, nucleus, plasma membrane |
| Protein Family | SMAD family (inhibitory) |
SMAD Family Member 7 is a SMAD family (inhibitory) member. The protein contains the characteristic domain structure including domain descriptions. The molecular weight is approximately 46 kDa, and the protein localizes to Cytoplasm, nucleus, plasma membrane.
SMAD7 is an inhibitory SMAD that blocks TGF-β signaling by binding to TGF-β type I receptor (ALK5) and preventing R-SMAD phosphorylation. SMAD7 recruits E3 ubiquitin ligases to promote receptor degradation. It is a key negative regulator of fibrosis, inflammation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In the nervous system, SMAD7 modulates neuroinflammation, glial scar formation, and neuronal survival. It is upregulated in response to TGF-β to provide feedback inhibition.
SMAD7 variants are associated with colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and fibrosis. In neurodegenerative diseases, SMAD7 may have protective roles by limiting neuroinflammation.
This protein is a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. Research is ongoing to develop small molecule inhibitors and biologics that modulate its activity.
This section provides background information on the gene/protein and its role in the nervous system.
This overview section needs to be expanded with relevant scientific information from peer-reviewed sources.