ALK-4 (Activin Receptor-Like Kinase 4) or ACVR1B (Activin A Receptor, type 1B), belongs to the protein kinase superfamily, TKL Ser/Thr protein kinase family, and TGFB receptor subfamily. ALK-4/ACVR1B acts as a transducer of activin or activin like ligands signals. Activin binds to either ACVR2A or ACVR2B and then forms a complex with ACVR1B. The known type II activin receptors include ActRII and ActRIIB, while the main type I activin receptor in mammalian cells is ALK-4 (ActRIB). In the presence of activin, type II and type I receptors form complexes whereby the type II receptors activate ALK-4 through phosphorylation. The activated ALK-4, in turn, transduces signals downstream by phosphorylation of its effectors, such as Smads, to regulate gene expression and affect cellular phenotype. ALK-4/ACVR1B is an important regulator of vertebrate development, with roles in mesoderm induction, primitive streak formation, gastrulation, dorsoanterior patterning, and left-right axis determination.
