Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 (Smad7) is an antagonist of signaling by TGF-beta (transforming growth factor) type 1 receptor superfamily members. Smad7 has been shown to inhibit TGF-beta (Transforming growth factor) and activin signaling by associating with their receptors thus preventing SMAD2 access. Smad7 functions as an adapter to recruit SMURF2 to the TGF-beta receptor comple, Xenopus/Amphibian,. Smad7 also acts by recruiting the PPP1R15A-PP1 comple, Xenopus/Amphibian, to TGFBR1, which promotes its dephosphorylation. Genetic variations in Smad7 influence susceptibility to colorectal cancer type 3 (CRCS3). Colorectal cancer consists of tumors or cancer of either the colon or rectum or both.