Activin type II receptor A (ACVR2A)

Activin type II receptor A is a high-affinity transmembrane protein that binds activin A, activin B, inhibin A, and myostatin, recruiting and phosphorylating type I receptors (such as ALK4/ACVR1B), which then activate receptor-regulated Smad transcription factors, culminating in gene regulatory responses[1][2][3][6]. It modulates key cellular processes including muscle and bone development, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, and is clinically relevant in several cancers and in muscle wasting conditions, where it is actively pursued as a pharmacological target for drug development[1][2][4][7].

Other names

ActRIIAACVR2activin A receptor type IIAactivin receptor type-2A

Inhibition/blockade of activin and myostatin signaling via antagonists or neutralizing antibodies to increase muscle mass or halt disease progression; Modulation of Smad2/3 signaling pathway to influence gene expression and cellular responses