Smad2p-SerSer245/250/255, p-Smad2Ser245/250/255, Smad2p-Ser245/250/255, hMAD 2, hSMAD2, JV18 1, JV18, JV181, MAD, MAD Related Protein 2, MADH2, MADR2, MGC22139, MGC34440, Mothers Against Decapentaplegic Homolog 2, mothers against DPP homolog 2, SMAD 2, SMAD, SMAD2, SMAD2_HUMAN.
Smad2 is a 58 kDa member of a family of proteins involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and development. The Smad family is divided into three subclasses: receptor-regulated Smads, activin/TGF alpha receptor-regulated (Smad2 and 3) or BMP receptor regulated (Smad1, 5, and 8), the common partner, (Smad4) that functions via its interaction to the various Smads, and the inhibitory Smads, (Smad6 and Smad7). Smad2 consists of two highly conserved domains, the N terminal Mad homology (MH1) and the C-terminal Mad homology 2 (MH2) domains. The MH1 domain binds DNA and regulates nuclear import and transcription while the MH2 domain conserved among all the Smads regulates Smad2 oligomerization and binding to cytoplasmic adaptors and transcription factors. Activated Smad2 associates with Smad4 and translocates as a complex into the nucleus, allowing its binding to DNA and transcription factors. This translocation of Smad2 (as well as Smad3) into the nucleus is a central event in TGF beta signaling. Phosphorylation of threonine 8 in the calmodulin binding region of the MH1 domain by extracellular signal regulated kinase 1(ERK 1) enhances Smad2 transcriptional activity, which is negatively regulated by calmodulin. The regulation of Smad2 phosphorylation on threonine 8 by ERK 1 and calmodulin is critical for Smad2 mediated signaling.
