Rolle von Smad7 in der pankreatischen Karzinogenese

Several mechanisms underlying tumor progression have remained elusive, especially in relation to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). TGFbeta signaling has been paradoxically considered as both a tumor suppressor and a promoter of tumor progression and invasion. Smad7 has been suggested to antagonize TGF-beta/Smad signaling leading to a complete switch in TGF-beta function from tumor suppressor to tumor promoter. In the current study, we aim to understand the role of SMAD7 in pancreatic cancer.