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Inhibin-alpha (INHA) is a protein encoded by the INHA gene on chromosome 2q35. INHA contains 349 amino acids with a molecular weight of around 38 kDa. This protein undergoes post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, glycosylation, and the formation of disulfide bonds. These modifications are essential for its proper folding, stability, and functional activity. INHA is primarily known as a secreted protein, synthesized by certain cell types and released into the bloodstream or extracellular space.
INHA is primarily expressed in the gonads, including the ovaries and testes, where it is produced by granulosa cells in the ovaries and Sertoli cells in the testes. INHA expression has also been detected in other tissues, such as the adrenal cortex, placenta, and certain parts of the brain. The expression of INHA is tightly regulated by various factors, including gonadal hormones, growth factors, and cytokines, which modulate its transcription, translation, and secretion in response to physiological and developmental cues.
The primary function of INHA is to act as a subunit of inhibin, a hormone that regulates the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. INHA acts as a heterodimer with Inhibin, beta A (INHBA) or Inhibin, beta B (INHBB), forming inhibin A (INHA/INHBA) or inhibin B (INHA/INHBB), respectively. These inhibins exert negative feedback on the pituitary gland, suppressing FSH secretion. By inhibiting FSH production, inhibin helps regulate various reproductive processes, including ovarian follicle development, spermatogenesis, and menstrual cycle regulation.
Mutations or dysregulation of INHA expression have been associated with various reproductive disorders and conditions. For example, mutations in the INHA gene or alterations in its expression levels have been linked to disorders of sexual development, ovarian dysfunction, infertility, and certain types of cancer, particularly ovarian cancer, where it may promote tumor growth and metastasis. Additionally, abnormalities in the inhibin signaling pathway, which includes INHA, have been implicated in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure (POF). Besides being a gonadal cell marker, upregulated INHA expression has been associated with ovarian cancer and certain reproductive disorders, making it a candidate biomarker for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in these contexts.
NeoBiotechnologies offers a variety of antibodies against INHA that have been validated for immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Additionally, we hold exclusive rights to INHA antibodies available for licensing or collaboration [https://www.neobiotechnologies.com/shop/?s=INHA].
Inhibin alpha chain, A inhibin subunit; IHA; inhA; Inhibin alpha chain; Inhibin alpha subunit
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