Activin E is a transforming growth factor β ligand that signals specifically through activin receptor-like kinase 7.

Activins are one of the three distinct subclasses within the greater Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily. First discovered for their critical roles in reproductive biology, activins have since been shown to alter cellular differentiation and proliferation. At present, members of the activin subclass include activin A (ActA), ActB, ActC, ActE, and the more distant members myostatin and GDF11.

Activin E is a TGFβ ligand that signals specifically through activin receptor-like kinase 7.

Activins are one of the three distinct subclasses within the greater Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) superfamily. First discovered for their critical roles in reproductive biology, activins have since been shown to alter cellular differentiation and proliferation. At present, members of the activin subclass include activin A (ActA), ActB, ActC, ActE, and the more distant members myostatin and GDF11.

The orphan ligand, activin C, signals through activin receptor-like kinase 7.

Activin ligands are formed from two disulfide-linked inhibin β (Inhβ) subunit chains. They exist as homodimeric proteins, as in the case of activin A (ActA; InhβA/InhβA) or activin C (ActC; InhβC/InhβC), or as heterodimers, as with activin AC (ActAC; InhβA:InhβC). While the biological functions of ActA and activin B (ActB) have been well characterized, little is known about the biological functions of ActC or ActAC.

Genetic Mapping of a new allele, in .

Genetic screens provide a mechanism to identify genes involved with different cellular and organismal processes. Using a Flp/FRT screen in the eye we identified mutations that result in alterations and de-regulation of cell growth and division. From this screen a group of undergraduate researchers part of the Fly-CURE consortium mapped and characterized a new allele of the gene ,