The present data illustrates a scheme in which a signal is initiated by BMP3, propagated through p-SMAD2 and p-TAK1/p-JNK, and finally transduced to downstream effectors including caspase-7, p21, and SMAD4 to induce apoptosis and inhibit CRC cell growth, migration, and invasion. Here, SMAD4 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.