Smad3 encoded by this gene belongs to the SMAD, a family of proteins similar to the gene products of the Drosophila gene 'mothers against decapentaplegic' (Mad) and the C. elegans gene Sma. SMAD proteins are signal transducers and transcriptional modulators that mediate multiple signaling pathways. This protein functions as a transcriptional modulator activated by transforming growth factor-beta and is thought to play a role in the regulation of carcinogenesis. Cohen-Solal KA, et al. (2011) Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 24, 512-24 Zelivianski S, Cooley A, Kall R, Jeruss JS (2010) Mol Cancer Res 8, 1375-87 Matsuura I, et al. (2010) J Biol Chem 285, 1754-64