SMAD7 regulates the canonical Wnt signaling through TGF-β cascade crosstalk and SMAD7/β-CATENIN transcription factor complex formation during tooth regeneration.

ABSTRACT: Tooth morphogenesis is orchestrated by a complex interplay of signaling pathways and transcription factors that control cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation, with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway playing a pivotal role. However, the comprehensive regulatory mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin signaling remain largely unclear. Smad7, a key antagonist of the TGF-β superfamily, is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and ensuring proper cellular function. Our previous study has demonstrated that Smad7 knockout in mice leads to impaired proliferative property of tooth germ cells, resulting in small molars. Here, we identified SMAD7 expression in human dental papilla and dental pulp, colocalized with β-CATENIN and cell proliferation-related proteins. RNA sequencing analysis rev

SUBMITTER: Chen Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12770595 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature