Expression of Smad7 in hepatocellular carcinoma and dysplastic nodules: resistance mechanism to transforming growth factor-beta.

Abstract

Smad7, expressed in tumor cells, is considered to be one of resistance mechanisms to increased TGF-beta1 in late stage hepatocarcinogenesis, especially in advanced HCCs without reduced TGF-beta receptor II. Smad4, in stellate cells of HCCs, might be involved in the host resistance to hepatocarcinogenesis.