SMAD7 is a member of the SMAD family of proteins, which are intracellular mediators of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway. This pathway plays a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. SMAD7 acts primarily as an inhibitory SMAD, counteracting TGF-β signaling by preventing the activation of receptor-regulated SMADs (R-SMADs).
