Both p-Smad2 and p-Smad 1/5/8 labelling were detected in adenoma at higher levels from ApcΔ/ΔSmad4Δ/Δ compared to normal tissue and littermate control adenoma, consistent with either TGF-β alone or with BMP ligand local context specific activation in combination (p < 0.001, Fig. 1d). Here, SMAD2 is linked to adenoma.