Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a dimeric glycoprotein hormone in the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, encoded by the AMH gene, and secreted primarily by embryonic Sertoli cells in males and ovarian granulosa cells in females. In male embryos, AMH induces regression of Müllerian ducts, preventing the development of female reproductive organs, and in females, AMH regulates the recruitment and maturation of ovarian follicles, serving as a key marker of ovarian reserve. AMH acts through the specific AMH receptor type II (AMHR2) to activate intracellular SMAD signaling, influencing cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis in reproductive tissues. Clinically, AMH is a core biomarker for evaluating ovarian function and reserve, guiding assisted reproductive technology decisions, diagnosing reproductive disorders, and is undergoing investigation as a therapeutic and diagnostic target in ovarian and other Müllerian-derived cancers.

Other names

Müllerian-inhibiting factorMIFMüllerian-inhibiting hormoneMIHMüllerian-inhibiting substanceMIS

Induces apoptosis through activation of the AMH type II receptor (AMHR2) leading to SMAD signaling pathway activation in target tissues. Antibody drugs under investigation act as AMHR2 agonists or antagonists to modulate reproductive tissue proliferation or cancer cell survival.