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Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Modeling Colitis-Associated Cancer with Azoxymethane AOM and Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
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Role of SMAD proteins in colitis-associated cancer: from known to the unknown

P Chandrasinghe1,2,3, B Cereser1, M Moorghen2

  • 1Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.

Oncogene
|September 5, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) proteins are crucial in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Research is exploring SMADs

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) proteins are key signal transducers in transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathways.
  • Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC).
  • SMAD proteins and TGFβ superfamily ligands are implicated in colorectal cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence linking SMAD proteins to colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC).
  • To explore the role of SMAD proteins in CAC pathogenesis.
  • To identify future research directions regarding SMADs in CAC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on SMAD proteins, IBD, and CAC.
  • Analysis of the molecular mechanisms by which SMADs influence carcinogenesis.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on therapeutic modulation of SMADs in IBD and its implications for cancer.

Main Results:

  • SMAD proteins are involved in critical carcinogenic processes, including gene transcription alteration, stem cell differentiation control, and epigenetic modifications.
  • The precise impact of therapeutic modulation of SMADs for IBD on CAC development is not yet fully understood.
  • Evidence suggests a significant role for SMADs in the unique characteristics of CAC.

Conclusions:

  • SMAD proteins are central to both IBD pathogenesis and the development of CAC.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the dual role of SMADs and to guide therapeutic strategies.
  • Understanding SMADs' function in CAC is crucial for developing effective treatments for IBD patients at risk of cancer.

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