To investigate the function of the β
C and β
E subunits of activin, we overexpressed these subunits in AML12 cells, a normal hepatocyte cell line, using adenovirus vector. Overexpression of the β
C subunit increased [
3H]thymidine incorporation and the cell number. In contrast, both [
3H]thymidine incorporation and the cell number were reduced in the β
E overexpressing cells. When AML cells overexpressing the β
E subunit were cultured in medium containing 1% serum for 48 h, many of the cells died by apoptosis, whereas cells overexpressing the β
C subunit or β-galactosidase survived in the same condition. To examine dimer formation, the β
C and β
E subunits were expressed in AML12 cells. In these cells, the β
C homodimer, the β
E homodimer and the β
C-β
E heterodimer were detected. When the expression level of the β
E subunit was increased, formation of the β
E homodimer was increased, while formation of the β
C-β
E heterodimer was slightly reduced. Overexpression of the β
E subunit did not significantly affect the formation of the β
C homodimer. These results indicate that the β
C and β
E subunits form homo- and heterodimers, and that the functions of the two subunits are quite different.
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