Background: Smad7 may have biological roles other than inhibition of TGF- signaling. Results: Smad7 activates caspase 8 expression by recruiting IRF1, thereby inducing TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Conclusion: Smad7 functions as a transcriptional coactivator of IRF1 to regulate the expression of target genes. Significance: Smad7-inducing reagents can be used as anti-cancer drugs for tumors that have defects in caspase 8 expression.
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