Smad蛋白是转化生长因子-β(transforming growth factor-β,TGF-β)信号转导通路中关键的介质,TGF-β通过结合细胞表面特异性受体而启动下游的Smad蛋白传导通路。Smad蛋白有着独特的结构及性质,根据其结构和功能的不同分为3类,在TGF-β信号转导过程中发挥重要作用。同时众多的细胞因子对Smad蛋白起着抑制或激活等作用,形成细胞信号转导通路的交叉对话。 Smad protein is the key mediator of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signal transduction pathway. TGF-β initiates the downstream Smad protein transduction pathway by binding to cell-surface specific receptors. Smad protein has a unique structure and properties, according to the structure and function of different divided into three categories, in TGF-β signaling plays an important role in the process. At the same time a large number of cytokines on Smad protein plays a role in the inhibition or activation, the formation of cell signaling pathway cross-talk.