TGF-β/Smad2/3 signal pathway involves in U251 cell proliferation and apoptosis

• TGF-β/Smad2/3 signal pathway is regarded as a central regulator in various tumors.
• The TGF-β/Smad2/3 signal pathway is activated in human brain glioma cells.
• Inhibitor (SB203580) and siRNA against Smad2/3
• TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway plays a key role in U251 cell growth and metastasis.

TGF-β/Smad2/3 signal pathway is regarded as a central regulator in various tumors, but its roles in brain cancer therapy remain unknown. In this study, we identify that the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signal pathway is activated in human brain glioma cells; inhibitor (SB203580) and siRNA against Smad2/3 quickly inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2 and 3, expression of its major downstream gene, Ki-67, arrested cells in the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis of cells. The findings suggest that TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway plays a key role in U251 cell growth and metastasis, which suggests its potential role in the molecular therapy of brain cancer.