Inhibin subunit beta B (INHBB): an emerging role in tumor progression

The gene inhibin subunit beta B (INHBB) encodes the inhibin beta B subunit, which is involved in forming protein members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. The TGF-beta superfamily is extensively involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, movement, metabolism, communication, and death. Activins and inhibins, which belong to the TGF-beta superfamily, were first discovered in ovarian follicular fluid. They were initially described as regulators of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion both in vivo and in vitro. Later studies found that INHBB is expressed not only in reproductive organs such as the ovary, uterus, and testis but also in numerous other organs, including the brain, spinal cord, liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands. This wide distribution implies its involvement in the normal physiological functions of various organs; however, the mechanisms underlying these functions have not yet been fully elucidated. Recent studies suggest that INHBB plays a significant, yet complex role in tumorigenesis. It appears to have dual effects, promoting tumor progression in some contexts while inhibiting it in others, although these roles are not yet fully understood. In this paper, we review the different expression patterns, functions, and mechanisms of INHBB in normal and tumor tissues to illustrate the research prospects of INHBB in tumor progression. center dot INHBB is a gene that encodes the inhibin beta B subunit, which forms part of the TGF-beta superfamily of proteins that regulate various cellular processes.center dot INHBB was initially discovered as a regulator of FSH secretion in reproductive organs, but it was later found to be expressed in many other organs and involved in their normal physiological functions.center dot INHBB has an emerging role in tumorigenesis, but the direction of this role is unclear and may vary depending on the tissue type and context.center dot This paper reviews the different expression patterns, functions, and mechanisms of INHBB in normal and tumor tissues, and suggests future research directions for INHBB in tumor progression.