Inhibitory Smads

Inhibitory Smads (I-Smads) are proteins involved in regulating cellular signals, specifically in the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway. They act as brakes, preventing overactivation of this pathway, which influences cell growth, differentiation, and immune responses. When TGF-β signals are too strong, I-Smads bind to other molecules in the pathway to block further signaling, helping maintain balance in cell functions. This regulation is crucial for normal tissue development and preventing diseases like cancer, where signaling can become unregulated.