Development - Role of Activin A in cell differentiation and proliferation

Role of Activin A in cell differentiation and proliferation

Activins are the members of the Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily which participate in regulation of several biological processes, including cell differentiation and cell proliferation. Among many activins, role of Activin A in this regulation is studied the best.

Like most members of the TGF beta superfamily, Activin A mediates its biological effects through a complex of transmembrane receptor serine/threonine kinases. Activin A initially binds to ActRIIA or ActRIIB and then recruits ALK-4 [1], [2].

ALK-4 interacts with and phosphorylates adaptors SMAD2 and SMAD3. SMAD4 is then binds to phosphorylated SMAD2 and SMAD3, followed by translocation of the complex into the nucleus [1]. Once in the nucleus, SMAD2 and SMAD3 may activate transcription of different genes.

It has been shown, that Activin A participates in regulation of stem cell maintenance, via SMAD-dependent activation transcription of marker of Oct-3/4, NANOG, NODAL and NODAL-signaling regulators, Lefty-1 and Lefty-2 [3], [4], [5].

Activin A inhibits cell growth (see negative regulation of cell growth) and proliferation (see negative regulation of cell proliferation) and activates cell differentiation via multiple pathways. In nonmalignant keratinocytes, Activin A stimulates transcription of MAD [6], [7] and inhibits transcription of c-Myc [8]. In addition, Activin A can stimulate transcription of cell cycle inhibitors p15, p21 and p27KIP1 [9], [10], [11]. p15 and p21 can be activated by SMAD2 and/or SMAD3 directly (as shown for other members of TGF-beta superfamily) [12], [13]. Transcription of p27KIP1 can be activated via VDR/ SP1 complex [14], [15].

Activin A also stimulates transcription of several hormones. For example, GnRH receptor [16], [17].

Moreover, Activin A may stimulate differentiation of granulosa cells from prehierarchal follicles via activation of FSHR and LH receptor. It is believed that initially Activin A activates FSHR-signaling [18], probably via transcription activation of FSHR [18]. Transcription activation of FSHR may be realized via SF1 [19], [20]. In addition, Activin A may activate FSHR-signaling via transcription activation of FSH-beta (e.g., via LHX3 [21] or SMAD/ PBX1/PREP1 complex) [22], [23]). Then, Activin A and/or FSHR signaling pathways stimulate LH receptor-signaling, possibly, via activation of expression of LH receptor and/or LH-beta [18], [24], [25].

Then, LH receptor stimulates G-protein alpha-s/ Adenylate cyclase/ Cyclic AMP/ PKA-cat (cAMP-dependent)/ CREB1 cascade [26], which in turn leads to transcription of proteins critical to initiating progesterone production, e.g. STAR and CYP11A1 [18], [24].

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References:

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