The article reviews the transcriptional control mechanisms mediated by the TGF-β/Smad signaling system. TGF-β family members, including TGF-β, BMPs, Nodals, Activins, and anti-Müllerian hormone, play crucial roles in regulating cell migration, adhesion, multiplication, differentiation, and death across various stages of an organism's life. The TGF-β signal transduction pathway involves membrane receptor protein kinases and Smad proteins, which act as transcription factors in the nucleus. The ligand TGF-β assembles a receptor complex that activates Smads, and these activated Smads form multi-subunit complexes that regulate gene transcription. The specificity of the response to TGF-β signals is determined by the interaction between the receptor and the Smad, as well as the presence of specific DNA-binding partners. These partners, such as FAST and OAZ, provide additional levels of specificity to the Smad-dependent gene responses. The article also discusses the role of coactivators and corepressors in modulating the transcriptional activation or repression by Smads. Overall, the TGF-β/Smad signaling system is a dynamic process that involves complex interactions between various proteins and can lead to diverse cellular responses.The article reviews the transcriptional control mechanisms mediated by the TGF-β/Smad signaling system. TGF-β family members, including TGF-β, BMPs, Nodals, Activins, and anti-Müllerian hormone, play crucial roles in regulating cell migration, adhesion, multiplication, differentiation, and death across various stages of an organism's life. The TGF-β signal transduction pathway involves membrane receptor protein kinases and Smad proteins, which act as transcription factors in the nucleus. The ligand TGF-β assembles a receptor complex that activates Smads, and these activated Smads form multi-subunit complexes that regulate gene transcription. The specificity of the response to TGF-β signals is determined by the interaction between the receptor and the Smad, as well as the presence of specific DNA-binding partners. These partners, such as FAST and OAZ, provide additional levels of specificity to the Smad-dependent gene responses. The article also discusses the role of coactivators and corepressors in modulating the transcriptional activation or repression by Smads. Overall, the TGF-β/Smad signaling system is a dynamic process that involves complex interactions between various proteins and can lead to diverse cellular responses.