Inhibin beta B (INHβB) is a subunit of the inhibin/activin protein family, which belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. It forms dimers with other subunits (e.g., inhibin alpha or activin beta A) to produce either inhibins (α/β heterodimers) or activins (β/β homodimers). These hormones play critical roles in regulating reproductive and endocrine functions, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion, ovarian folliculogenesis, and testicular steroidogenesis. Inhibins act as negative regulators of FSH, while activins stimulate its production.
Antibodies targeting Inhibin beta B are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in tissues. They are widely used in techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting, and ELISA to investigate reproductive biology, developmental processes, and disease mechanisms. In research, Inhibin beta B antibodies help elucidate its role in pathologies such as ovarian or testicular tumors, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hormone-dependent cancers, where altered inhibin/activin signaling may contribute to disease progression. Additionally, these antibodies aid in exploring tissue-specific expression patterns during embryonic development and stem cell differentiation.
Due to its structural similarity to other TGF-β family members, antibody specificity is crucial to distinguish Inhibin beta B from related subunits (e.g., beta A). Validated antibodies enable precise detection in both preclinical and clinical studies, supporting advancements in diagnostics and therapeutic targeting of inhibin/activin pathways.