Generation and characterization of smad7 conditional knockout mice

Abstract

Smad7 is an important negative modulator that regulates the duration and strength of TGF-β signaling. Dysregulation of Smad7 is associated with the pathogenesis of many human diseases. Various mouse models are developed to facilitate addressing the physiological functions of Smad 7. We have recently demonstrated that loss of Smad7 function by deletion in its MH2 domain leads to multiple cardiac defects and aggravates ethanol-induced liver injury. Here, we describe the procedure to construct and characterize the Smad7 conditional knockout mice.