This gene encodes a member of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily of proteins. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate a subunit of homodimeric and heterodimeric activin complexes. The heterodimeric complex may function in the inhibition of activin A signaling. Transgenic mice overexpressing this gene exhibit defects in testis, liver and prostate. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2016],function:Inhibins and activins inhibit and activate, respectively, the secretion of follitropin by the pituitary gland. Inhibins/activins are involved in regulating a number of diverse functions such as hypothalamic and pituitary hormone secretion, gonadal hormone secretion, germ cell development and maturation, erythroid differentiation, insulin secretion, nerve cell survival, embryonic axial development or bone growth, depending on their subunit composition. Inhibins appear to oppose the functions of activins.,similarity:Belongs to the TGF-beta family.,subunit:Homodimeric or heterodimeric through association with alpha and beta subunits, linked by one or more disulfide bonds. Inhibins are heterodimers of one alpha and one beta subunit. Activins are homo- or heterodimers of beta subunits only.,tissue specificity:Expressed in benign prostatic hyperplasia.,
