Inhibin/activin and ovarian cancer

D. M. Robertson, H. G. Burger, P. J. Fuller

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

57 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Inhibin and activin are members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) family of cytokines produced by the gonads, with a recognised role in regulating pituitary FSH secretion. Inhibin consists of two homologous subunits, α and either βA or βB (inhibin A and B). Activins are hetero- or homodimers of the β-subunits. Inhibin and free α 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 α subunit gene deletion develop stromal/granulosa cell tumours suggesting that the α 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 TGFβ superfamily is also discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)35-49
Number of pages15
JournalEndocrine-Related Cancer
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2004
Externally publishedYes

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