Smif was originally identified as an interaction partner of Smad4. Functional analysis of Smif revealed a stimulatory effect in regulating TGFβ-dependent genes. To investigate the role of Smif in mammals, we generated a Smif knockout mouse. Smif-deficient mice were viable but exhibit a shortened life span. Overall pathological analysis of diseased mice revealed extensive lymphocytic infiltrates in multiple organs. Moreover, Smif-deficiency caused immune complex induced glomerulonephritis. Interestingly, we identified T and not B cells as the important target in Smif-deficient mice. On molecular level, transcription of TGFβ-responsive genes was greatly reduced in Smif-deficient cells.
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Smif was originally identified as an interaction partner of Smad4. Functional analysis of Smif revealed a stimulatory effect in regulating TGFβ-dependent genes. To investigate the role of Smif in mammals, we generated a Smif knockout mouse. Smif-deficient mice were viable but exhibit a shortened life span. Overall pathological analysis of diseased mice revealed extensive lymphocytic infiltrates in multiple organs. Moreover, Smif-deficiency caused immune complex induced glomerulonephritis. Intere...
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