這個基因編碼tgfβ（轉化生長因子β）超家族的一個成員。編碼的前蛋白經蛋白質水解處理，生成二聚激活素和抑制素蛋白復合物的亞單位。這些復合物分別激活和抑制垂體的促卵泡激素分泌。編碼的蛋白質也在眼睛、牙齒和睪丸的發育中起作用。該基因的高表達可能與癌癥惡病質有關。[由RefSeq提供，2016年8月]
This gene encodes a member of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily of proteins. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate a subunit of the dimeric activin and inhibin protein complexes. These complexes activate and inhibit, respectively, follicle stimulating hormone secretion from the pituitary gland. The encoded protein also plays a role in eye, tooth and testis development. Elevated expression of this gene may be associated with cancer cachexia in human patients. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2016]