Abstract
Activins are members of the TGF-β family of ligands that have multiple biological functions in embryonic stem cells as well as in differentiated tissue. Serum levels of activin A were found to be elevated in pathological conditions such as cachexia, osteoporosis and cancer. Signaling by activin A through canonical ALK4-ACVR2 receptor complexes activates the transcription factors SMAD2 and SMAD3. Activin A has a strong affinity to type 2 receptors, a feature that they share with some of the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Activin A is also elevated in myeloma patients with advanced disease and is involved in myeloma bone disease.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 27 |
Journal | Cell Communication and Signaling |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Hematology