Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Visualization and Quantification of TGFβ/BMP/SMAD Signaling under Different Fluid Shear Stress Conditions using Proximity-Ligation-Assay
Published on: September 14, 2021
The therapeutic potential of blocking the activin signalling pathway
Francesco Elia Marino1, Gail Risbridger, Elspeth Gold
1Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Abstract:
Members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family regulate fundamental physiological process, such as cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. As a result, defects in this pathway have been linked to uncontrolled proliferation and cancer progression. Here we explore the signal transduction mechanism of TGF-β focusing on therapeutic intervention in human diseases. Like TGF-β, another member of the TGF-β superfamily, activin has been proven to play an important role in maintenance of tissue homeostasis and dysregulation leads to disease. Several studies showed elevated levels of activin are responsible for the development of gonadal tumours and a cachexia-like weight loss syndrome. Discussing the recent advances in approaches developed to antagonise the activin pathway and the encouraging results obtained in animal models, this review presents a therapeutic rationale for targeting the activin pathway in conditions such as cachexia, neuromuscular and/or musculoskeletal disorders.
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
Inhibition of CDK Activity
Amplifying Signals via Enzymatic Cascade
Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathways
