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Immunohistochemical expression of smads 1–6 in the 15‐day gestation mouse embryo: signaling by BMPs and TGF‐βs †
Author(s) -
Flanders Kathleen C.,
Kim Edward S.,
Roberts Anita B.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
developmental dynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.634
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1097-0177
pISSN - 1058-8388
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0177(2000)9999:9999<::aid-dvdy1096>3.0.co;2-4
Subject(s) - smad , biology , bone morphogenetic protein , smad2 protein , r smad , microbiology and biotechnology , transforming growth factor beta , signal transduction , transforming growth factor , immunohistochemistry , endoglin , immunology , gene , genetics , stem cell , cd34
The eight mammalian Smad proteins mediate cellular signaling from members of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and activin families. Smads 1, 5, and 8 transmit signals from BMPs, while Smads 2 and 3 transmit signals from TGF‐βs and activin. Smad 4 is a common mediator of both pathways, while Smads 6 and 7 inhibit signaling. Signal transduction involves translocation of Smad complexes to the nucleus and subsequent gene activation. Little is known about the expression of endogenous Smad proteins during development. We identified commercially available Smad antibodies that specifically recognize a unique Smad protein and are suitable for immunohistochemistry. Here we compare the localization of Smads 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in tissues of the 15‐day gestation mouse embryo. Immunoreactive Smad proteins are seen in many tissues with differences in the localization being dependent upon the cell type. All tissues express Smad 4 and at least one each of the BMP‐specific and TGF‐β‐specific Smads, while expression of Smad 6 is more restricted. Differences are observed in the nuclear versus cytoplasmic localization among the Smads in different cell types or tissues, suggesting selective activation of Smads during this stage of development. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.