Distinct expression and prognostic value of members of SMAD family in non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the major cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Though multidisciplinary therapies have been widely used for NSCLC, its overall prognosis remains very poor, presumably owing to lack of effective prognostic biomarkers. SMAD, a well-known transcription factor, plays an essential role in carcinogenesis. Aberrant expression of SMAD have been found in various cancers, and may be regarded as prognostic indicator for some malignancies. However, the expression and prognostic role of SMAD family member, especially at the mRNA level, remain elusive in NSCLC. In the present study, we report the distinct expression and prognostic value of individual SMAD in patients with NSCLC by analyzing several online databases including ONCOMINE, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, Human Protein Atlas database, Kaplan–Meier plotter, cBioPortal, and Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The mRNA levels of SMAD6/7/9 in NSCLC were significantly down-regulated in NSCLC, and aberrant SMAD2/3/4/5/6/7/9 mRNA levels were all correlated with the prognosis of NSCLC. Collectively, SMAD2/3/4/5/6/7/9 may server as prognostic biomarkers and potential targets for NSCLC, and thus facilitate the customized treatment strategies for NSCLC patients.