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SMURF1 Downregulation Highlights Its Potential Role in Breast Cancer
Leyla Tekin1, Funda Dinç2, Cenk Yazkan3
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla 48000, Turkey.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 27, 2026
Summary
SMURF1 mRNA is downregulated in breast cancer, potentially promoting tumor growth by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. SMURF1 and SMURF2 interact with TGF-β/BMP pathways, suggesting complex roles in cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- SMURF1 and SMURF2 are involved in regulating key cellular processes.
- Their roles in breast cancer pathogenesis are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate SMURF1 and SMURF2 mRNA and protein expression in breast cancer tissues.
- To explore their potential biological functions and molecular interactions using in silico analyses.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) for mRNA expression analysis.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for protein expression evaluation.
- In silico analyses including protein-protein interaction (PPI) and functional enrichment via STRING database.
Main Results:
- SMURF1 mRNA was significantly downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared to normal tissues (p = 0.002).
- No significant differences in SMURF2 mRNA or SMURF1/SMURF2 protein levels were observed between tumor and normal samples.
- In silico analyses revealed interactions with TGF-β/BMP and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Downregulation of SMURF1 in breast cancer may promote tumor progression via enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
- SMURF1 and SMURF2 interactions with TGF-β/BMP pathway regulators suggest context-dependent tumor-suppressive or oncogenic roles.
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