Human Activin A Receptor Type 1C (ACVR1C) Protein

Background

ACVR1C, also known as ALK7 (Activin Receptor-Like Kinase 7), is a type I receptor in the TGF-β superfamily of signaling proteins. It is primarily activated by ligands such as activins (particularly Activin B) and Nodal. ACVR1C phosphorylates receptor-regulated SMADs, specifically SMAD2/3, which form complexes with SMAD4 to regulate gene transcription. ACVR1C plays critical roles in metabolic regulation, adipogenesis, pancreatic β-cell function, and embryonic development. It is predominantly expressed in tissues like the pancreas, adipose tissue, ovaries, and central nervous system. Dysregulation of ACVR1C has been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes due to its role in fat cell differentiation and energy metabolism. Additionally, its signaling pathway is implicated in tumorigenesis, where it influences cell proliferation and survival.