MAD proteins, originally defined in Drosophila, are essential components of the signaling pathways of the transforming growth factor-beta receptor family (TGFBs).

Function

Members of the TGF-beta family of growth factors (TGFBs) mediate their effects through activation of intracellular Smad proteins, which form transcriptionally competent complexes that accumulate in the nucleus.

Smads actively shuttle between the cytoplasm and nucleus by distinct mechanisms.

Members

Features

 TGFbeta signaling pathway

References

 Reguly T, Wrana JL. In or out? The dynamics of Smad nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Trends Cell Biol. 2003 May;13(5):216-20. PMID: #12742164#

 Souchelnytskyi S, Moustakas A, Heldin CH. TGF-beta signaling from a three-dimensional perspective: insight into selection of partners. Trends Cell Biol. 2002 Jul;12(7):304-7. PMID: #12185845#