Mutations in the SMAD4/DPC4 gene in juvenile polyposis.

Howe, J R; Roth, S; Ringold, J C; Summers, R W; Järvinen, H J; Sistonen, P; Tomlinson, I P; Houlston, R S et al. · Science · 1998

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Familial juvenile polyposis is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by a predisposition to hamartomatous polyps and gastrointestinal cancer. Here it is shown that a subset of juvenile polyposis families carry germ line mutations in the gene SMAD4 (also known as DPC4), located on chromosome 18q21.1, that encodes a critical cytoplasmic mediator in the transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway. The mutant SMAD4 proteins are predicted to be truncated at the carboxyl-terminus and lack sequences required for normal function. These results confirm an important role for SMAD4 in the development of gastrointestinal tumors.

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