For years, SMAD4 has been viewed strictly through the lens of the TGF-β pathway, acting as a "canonical" adaptor that moves growth-inhibitory signals to the nucleus. This new research reveals that SMAD4 functions as a versatile regulatory hub with significant TGF-β-independent roles. The study identifies a novel, non-canonical interaction where SMAD4 acts as a physical "cage" for the transcription factor NFATc1. Xiulei Mo’s lab at Emory University studies SMAD4 variants including Myhre Syndrome's mutations to understand the specific functions altered by these mutations and identify new targets for drug discovery.

MSF is excited to be funding Dr. Mo's Lab for Myhre syndrome SMAD4 specific studies. Learn more.