Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
06:54

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells

Published on: October 27, 2020

SMAD4 mediates mesenchymal-epithelial reversion in SW480 colon carcinoma cells

Michael Pohl1, Yvonne Radacz, Nicole Pawlik

  • 1Department of Medicine, Knappschafts krankenhaus, Ruhr-University, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany.

Anticancer Research
|August 5, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Re-expressing the SMAD4 gene suppresses tumor cell invasion and reverts cells to an epithelial state, suggesting its role in controlling cancer progression. This finding enhances understanding of gastrointestinal carcinogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Gastrointestinal Carcinogenesis

Background:

  • SMAD4 gene inactivation is a late event in gastrointestinal cancer.
  • SMAD4 transmits TGF-beta's growth-inhibitory effects.
  • The role of SMAD proteins in TGF-beta's tumor-promoting effects is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of SMAD4 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
  • To understand SMAD4's function in regulating cell invasion and differentiation.

Main Methods:

  • Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy assessed differentiation markers.
  • Wound healing and pore migration assays evaluated cell migration.

Main Results:

  • SMAD4 re-expression suppressed invasiveness and promoted reversion to an epithelial phenotype.
  • SMAD4 mediated enterocyte-like differentiation.
  • SMAD4 reconstitution reduced endogenous TGF-beta, suggesting autocrine signaling in EMT.

Conclusions:

  • SMAD4 acts as a regulator of invasion in carcinogenesis.
  • These findings offer molecular insights into a poorly understood aspect of cancer development.

More Related Videos

Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells11:42

Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells

Published on: April 7, 2017

Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition10:37

Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition

Published on: August 27, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal01:22

Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal01:12

Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Mesenchymal Stem Cells01:19

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into most connective tissue cell types, except for hematopoietic cells, depending upon the source of MSCs. For example, bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into osteocytes, hepatocytes, and pancreatic and neuronal cells. MSCs can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, teeth, and Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord. The ease of their access...
Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells01:23

Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells

The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...