Phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 of the canonical TGFβ pathway, was high in serum-starved DN and KC fibroblast protein extracts, but pSMAD1/5/8 low at base line, was induced within 30 minutes of TGFβ1 stimulation, more so in KC than DN, suggesting a novel TGFβ1-SMAD1/5/8 axis in the cornea, that may be altered in KC. The gene discussed is SMAD2; the disease is keratoconus.