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Inhibin subunit beta C (INHBC)
- Target
- INHBC
- Molecular classification
- Cytokine, Hormone, Member of TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily, Protein coding gene (HGNC, NCBI)
01
Overview
Inhibin subunit beta C is a protein encoded by the INHBC gene in humans and is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily[1]. It can form dimers with beta A and beta B subunits, and is involved in regulating hormonal secretion (especially pituitary, hypothalamic, and gonadal axes), and modulating cell growth, differentiation, and maturation in various tissues[1][2][5][6]. INHBC is specifically known to form part of the activin/inhibin complexes that exert opposing effects on hormone secretion, with INHBC itself acting as a regulator of activin-A signaling, abolishing cachexia and influencing reproductive tumor development in some contexts[6][7]. Defects or alterations in expression are associated with reproductive organ pathologies and possibly other endocrine-related diseases[2][6].
- Other names
- Inhibin beta C chainINHBCActivin beta-C chainIHBCinhibin beta C chainactivin beta-C chaininhibin beta C subunit
02
Mechanism of action
Drugs targeting the TGF-beta superfamily typically act via: - Antagonism or agonism: e.g., blocking activin A signaling, which INHBC regulates - Hormonal modulation: indirectly modifying endocrine or reproductive hormone pathways
03
Biological functions
Hormone secretion regulation (hypothalamic, pituitary, gonadal)Regulation of growth and differentiation of various cell typesGerm cell development and maturationErythroid differentiationInsulin secretionNerve cell survivalEmbryonic axial developmentBone growthInhibition of activin A signalingModulation of reproductive tumor development
04
Disease associations
Cancer (reproductive tumor development modulation; transgenic mice show testis, liver, and prostate defects)Cachexia (experimental models suggest INHBC can abolish cachexia)Possibly other endocrine-related disorders via hormone regulation
05
Safety considerations
Targeting TGF-beta family proteins can impact broad physiologic processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and hormone regulation.Potential for significant off-target effects or hormonal imbalances.Possible effects on reproductive and endocrine tissuesUnknown long-term safety in humans—mouse data indicate reproductive and organ defects with overexpression
06
Biomarkers
Not widely used directly as a biomarker. However, changes in INHBC expression may correlate with reproductive tissue pathology or endocrine function
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