INHBC

The INHBC gene encodes the inhibin beta-C chain, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. Its protein product forms homodimers (activin C) or heterodimers with beta-A/B subunits to act as a growth factor. Activin C signals via the TGF-β/Smad pathway: binding to type II and I serine/threonine kinase receptors triggers Smad2/3 phosphorylation, which complexes with Smad4 for nuclear gene regulation.
Dysregulated INHBC is linked to liver fibrosis (hepatic stellate cell activation) and colorectal carcinoma (modulating proliferation/apoptosis). Preclinical research targets activin receptor-like kinases (ALK4/5) to inhibit activin C-mediated fibrosis, while its dual tumor roles demand context-specific therapeutic strategies.