A portion of amino acids 460-560 from the human protein was used as the immunogen for the Muellerian Inhibiting Factor antibody.
The transforming growth factor superfamily proteins are involved in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. The Muellerian inhibiting factor (MIF), also called Muellerian-inhibiting substance (MIS) and Anti-Muellerian hormone (AMH), glycoprotein is produced by the Sertoli cells of the testes. Fetal testes produce both MIF and testosterone, the presence of which result in male offspring. Absence of MIF and testosterone in a developing fetus results in the induction of Mullerian duct differentiation, and Wolffian duct development is not induced. Testosterone induces the differentiation of the Wolffian ducts whereas MIF causes regression of the Muellerian duct. MIF inhibits the growth of tumors derived from tissues of Mullerian duct origin. It can also inhibit the autophosphorylation of the EGF receptor in vitro. Defects in anti-Muellerian hormone are the cause of persistent Muellerian duct syndrome type I (PMDS-1). PMDS-1 is a form of male pseudo hermaphroditism characterized by a failure of Muellerian duct regression in otherwise normal males.
