Hormones
Product List
INHBC Human
Inhibin-Beta C Chain Human Recombinant
Inhibin a Human
Inhibin Alpha Human Recombinant
The Inhibin-Alpha is fused with an amino-terminal hexahistidine tag.
The Inhibin-Alpha is purified by standard chromatographic techniques.
Inhibin alpha A Chain Human
Inhibin-Alpha A Chain Human Recombinant
The Inhibin-Alpha A chain is purified by standard chromatographic techniques.
Introduction
Inhibin A is a glycoprotein hormone that belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. It is composed of two subunits: an alpha (α) subunit and a beta A (βA) subunit, linked by disulfide bonds . Inhibin A is primarily produced by the granulosa cells in the ovaries and the Sertoli cells in the testes .
Key Biological Properties: Inhibin A is a dimeric protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the reproductive system. It selectively inhibits the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary gland .
Expression Patterns: In females, inhibin A is predominantly produced by the dominant follicle and the corpus luteum, with its levels fluctuating throughout the menstrual cycle . In males, it is produced by the Sertoli cells in the testes .
Tissue Distribution: Inhibin A is mainly found in the gonads, but it is also expressed in other tissues such as the placenta and fetal membranes .
Primary Biological Functions: The primary function of inhibin A is to inhibit the secretion of FSH, thereby regulating the menstrual cycle and spermatogenesis . It also plays a role in the local regulation of gonadal function through paracrine and autocrine mechanisms .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: While inhibin A’s primary role is in reproductive physiology, it also has implications in immune responses and pathogen recognition through its interactions with other cytokines and growth factors .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Inhibin A acts as an antagonist to activin, another member of the TGF-β superfamily, by binding to activin receptors and preventing activin from stimulating FSH production . It also interacts with other molecules such as β-glycan to modulate its activity .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Inhibin A binds to activin receptors and β-glycan, leading to the inhibition of activin signaling pathways. This results in the suppression of FSH secretion from the anterior pituitary gland .
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of inhibin A is regulated by various transcription factors and signaling pathways, including those activated by FSH and local growth factors .
Post-Translational Modifications: Inhibin A undergoes several post-translational modifications, including glycosylation, which are essential for its stability and biological activity .
Biomedical Research: Inhibin A is used as a biomarker in reproductive endocrinology to assess ovarian reserve and function .
Diagnostic Tools: It is utilized in prenatal screening for Down syndrome and as a marker for certain types of ovarian cancer .
Therapeutic Strategies: Inhibin A has potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of reproductive disorders and certain cancers .
Development: Inhibin A plays a critical role in the regulation of folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis during development .
Aging and Disease: The levels of inhibin A decline with age, particularly in postmenopausal women, and its dysregulation is associated with various reproductive disorders and cancers .
