ACVR2AB

ACVR2AB is a term that may appear in some databases or literature to refer to activin receptor type-2A (ACVR2A) or activin receptor type-2B (ACVR2B), and occasionally to the functional receptor complex formed by these type II activin receptors. The official human gene symbols are ACVR2A and ACVR2B. ACVR2AB is not a widely recognized separate gene symbol.

ACVR2A and ACVR2B encode transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptors that participate in signaling of the activin subfamily within the TGF-β superfamily. In activin signaling, the type II receptors bind ligands such as activin A, activin B, or activin AB and recruit type I receptors (such as ALK4/ALK5/ALK7). This leads to phosphorylation of the type I receptors, which then propagates intracellular signals primarily through SMAD2 and SMAD3 to SMAD4, regulating the transcription of target genes. The pathway can also engage non-SMAD signaling routes in some contexts.

Expression of ACVR2A and ACVR2B is widespread across tissues, and both receptors participate in multiple physiological processes, including development, reproduction, and tissue homeostasis. Activin signaling influences folliculogenesis and gonadal function, muscle mass regulation, and immune responses, among other roles. Dysregulation of activin signaling has been linked to fibrosis, cancer progression, and other pathological states in experimental settings.

Clinically, ACVR2A and ACVR2B are of interest as potential therapeutic targets. Approaches under investigation include ligand traps such as follistatin and various inhibitors of the receptor complex or downstream signaling. When encountering the term ACVR2AB, researchers should verify whether the intended reference is ACVR2A, ACVR2B, or the functional receptor complex, using authoritative databases such as NCBI Gene, Ensembl, or UniProt.