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Investigate the interacting proteins and target site motifs of Smad4a/b/c/d transcription factors in zebrafish

Haiyang Yu1, Yu Tian2, Xue Chen3

  • 1School of Life Science and Engineering, Jining University, Jining, 273155, China.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|January 24, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Zebrafish smad4 paralogs evolved distinct functions after gene duplication, impacting transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling complexity. This study reveals their specialized roles in expression, localization, and interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway is vital for organism development.
  • Smad transducers in this pathway are more diverse in teleosts than mammals, complicating signal transduction understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional divergence of zebrafish smad4 paralogs (smad4a/b/c/d) following gene duplication.
  • To elucidate their roles in the complex intracellular TGF-β/BMP signaling in teleosts.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of zebrafish smad4a/b/c/d paralogs.
  • Investigation of expression patterns, subcellular localization, protein-protein interactions, and target site motifs.

Main Results:

  • Zebrafish smad4 paralogs exhibit significant sub-functionalization after gene duplication.
  • Demonstrated substantial functional differences in expression, localization, interactions, and target motifs among smad4 paralogs.

Conclusions:

  • Zebrafish smad4 paralogs have specialized functions contributing to TGF-β/BMP signaling complexity.
  • Findings provide a foundation for future molecular research on TGF-β/BMP signaling in zebrafish.
Keywords:
DAP-seqInteracting proteinsTarget site motifssmad4a/b/c/d paralogous

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