Inhibin subunit beta B (INHBB)

Inhibin subunit beta B is a secreted protein member of the TGF-β superfamily that forms homodimers (activin B) or heterodimers (activin AB) and combines with an alpha subunit to form inhibin B. It plays a critical role in inhibiting follicle-stimulating hormone release from the pituitary, thus regulating reproductive homeostasis in males and females. Beyond reproduction, INHBB participates in cell proliferation, differentiation, embryogenesis, wound healing, and immune responses, with emerging evidence implicating its dysregulation in cancer progression and metastasis. INHBB signals via cell surface serine/threonine kinase receptors, activating SMAD transcription factors and downstream gene expression. Its expression serves as a biomarker in several cancers and reproductive disorders; its therapeutic targeting poses risks due to its pluripotent roles in physiology.

Other names

INHBBActivin beta-B chainInhibin beta B chainInhibin, beta-2Activin AB beta polypeptideInhibin beta B subunit

Drugs or molecules targeting INHBB would likely act by modulating its function as a growth factor or inhibitor of FSH secretion, affecting signaling pathways such as TGF-β, PI3K-Akt, cAMP, and Wnt