Human Activin A Protein Carrier-Free

Description: Activin A is a member of the TGF-β superfamily, along with the other activin proteins and the structurally related inhibins. The activins are dimeric proteins formed by the association of two of the four existing β subunits, βA, βB, βC, and βE. These subunits are shared with the inhibin proteins, which are heterodimers of one β and one α chain. Activin A is a homodimer of two 13 kDa βA subunits, which can also associate with βB or βC to form Activin AB or AC, respectively. Activin A is expressed by various cell types and exhibits pleiotropic effects including the regulation of metabolism, homeostasis, cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, and tissue healing. Activin A has been recently reported to work in synergy with TGF-β to promote the induction of antigen specific iTreg cells leading to inhibition of Th1 and Th2-mediated responses.

References: Semitekolou M, Alissafi T, Aggelakopoulou M, Kourepini E, Kariyawasam HH, Kay AB, Robinson DS, Lloyd CM, Panoutsakopoulou V, Xanthou G. Activin-A induces regulatory T cells that suppress T helper cell immune responses and protect from allergic airway disease. J Exp Med. 2009 Aug 3;206(8):1769-85.

Huber S, Stahl FR, Schrader J, Lüth S, Presser K, Carambia A, Flavell RA, Werner S, Blessing M, Herkel J, Schramm C. Activin a promotes the TGF-beta-induced conversion of CD4+CD25- T cells into Foxp3+ induced regulatory T cells. J Immunol. 2009 Apr 15;182(8):4633-40.

Chen YG, Wang Q, Lin SL, Chang CD, Chuang J, Ying SY. Activin signaling and its role in regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and carcinogenensis. Exp Biol Med. 2006 May; 231(5): 534-44.

Phillips DJ, Brauman JN, Mason AJ, de Krester DM, Hedger MP. A sensitive and specific in vitro bioassay for activin using a mouse plasmacytoma cell line, MPC-11. J Endocrinol. 1999 Jul; 162(1): 111-6.