Inhibin/activin and ovarian cancer.
Inhibin and activin are members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) family of cytokines produced by the gonads, with a recognised role in regulating pituitary FSH secretion. Inhibin consists of two homologous subunits, alpha and either betaA or betaB (inhibin A and B). Activins are hetero- or homodimers of the beta-subunits. Inhibin and free alpha subunit are known products of two ovarian tumours (granulosa cell tumours and mucinous carcinomas). This observation has provided the basis for the development of a serum diagnostic test to monitor the occurrence and treatment of these cancers. Transgenic mice with an inhibin alpha subunit gene deletion develop stromal/granulosa cell tumours suggesting that the alpha subunit is a tumour suppressor gene. The role of inhibin and activin is reviewed in ovarian cancer both as a measure of proven clinical utility in diagnosis and management and also as a factor in the pathogenesis of these tumours. In order to place these findings into perspective the biology of inhibin/activin and of other members of the TGFbeta superfamily is also discussed.
Robertson
D M
DM
Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, PO 5152, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia. david.robertson@med.monash.edu.au
Burger
H G
HG
Fuller
P J
PJ
D028341:Activins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D028341:Activins; D007265:Inhibins