This gene encodes a member of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily of proteins. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate an inhibin beta subunit. Inhibins have been implicated in regulating numerous cellular processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, immune response and hormone secretion. This gene may be upregulated under conditions of endoplasmic reticulum stress, and this protein may inhibit cellular proliferation and growth in pancreas and liver. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2016]
Forensic Context
A study in human ovarian cancer samples identified the INHBE gene as part of a multi-dimensional module (md-module 5) associated with the TGF-b signaling pathway, where it was included in the DNA methylation dimension [Zhang et al. DOI:10.1093/nar/gks725].