SMURF2

SMURF2, or SMAD-specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2, is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates ubiquitination and degradation of target proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. It primarily regulates TGF-β signaling by targeting SMAD proteins, thereby modulating cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Common aliases include SMAD ubiquitination regulatory factor 2.
Dysregulation of SMURF2 is linked to cancer, including breast and colorectal cancers, where its loss enhances TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It also participates in pathways like p53 and Wnt/β-catenin. While no SMURF2-targeted drugs are approved, preclinical studies explore its potential as a therapeutic target for restoring tumor suppressor functions.