Activin A is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) family of proteins and functions to stimulate follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion. Activins are produced in many tissue types including the skin, gonads, lungs, and pituitary gland. Activins interact with receptor type I and type II serine/threonine protein kinases, to activate SMAD signaling and regulate diverse cellular functions, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, wound healing, apoptosis, and metabolism. Activin A is a homodimer comprised of two activin ßA chains. Cleavage of the N-terminal propeptide renders the Activin protein biologically active. Human Activin A shares 100% amino acid sequence identity with mouse, rat, porcine, bovine, and feline Activin A proteins.
Bioactivity Assay:Cytotoxicity of MPC-11 cells; ED50 =10 ng/mL; Bioactivity =1.0 x 10^5 units/mg