INHBB antibodies target the inhibin beta B subunit, a key component of the inhibin and activin hormones within the TGF-β superfamily. The INHBB gene encodes a protein that dimerizes with other subunits (e.g., inhibin α or other β subunits) to form either inhibins, which suppress follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion, or activins, which stimulate FSH production and regulate diverse cellular processes. These hormones play critical roles in reproductive physiology, immune modulation, and tissue homeostasis.
Antibodies against INHBB are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in development and disease. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA to investigate INHBB's involvement in pathologies such as ovarian cancers, granulosa cell tumors, and fibrosis, where dysregulated activin/inhibin signaling is implicated. Additionally, INHBB antibodies aid in exploring its role in stem cell differentiation and metabolic disorders.
Commercial INHBB antibodies are typically developed in hosts like rabbits or mice, validated for specificity against the β-B subunit. Research highlights its potential as a biomarker for certain cancers or as a therapeutic target, given its influence on SMAD-dependent signaling pathways. However, challenges remain in distinguishing cross-reactivity with related TGF-β family members, emphasizing the need for rigorous validation in experimental models.