Activin-binding protein from rat ovary is follistatin.
Activin, a member of the transforming growth factor beta protein family, was originally isolated from gonadal fluids and stimulates the release of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Activin has numerous functions in both normal and neoplastic cells. Various cells synthesize activin and have a specific binding site for this peptide. However, the molecular basis for its actions is unknown. A binding protein for activin was purified from rat ovary and was identical to follistatin, a specific inhibitor of FSH release. It is likely that the binding protein participates in the diverse regulatory actions of activin.
Nakamura
T
T
Frontier Research Program, Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Saitama, Japan.
Takio
K
K
Eto
Y
Y
Shibai
H
H
Titani
K
K
Sugino
H
H
D028341:Activins; D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D007265:Inhibins / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D007700:Kinetics; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism*; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D011485:Protein Binding; D051381:Rats
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D028341:Activins; D007265:Inhibins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone