It has been found that expression of the SMAD2 protein is progressively increased in reactive lesions and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) [83], and SMAD3 contributes to ascending aortic dilatation independently of transforming growth factor-beta in bicuspid and unicuspid aortic valve disease [84], which is consistent with our data. The gene discussed is SMAD3; the disease is oral submucous fibrosis.