INHBC encodes inhibin beta C chain, a TGF-β superfamily member that homodimerizes to form activin C (Act-C), a secreted cytokine involved in diverse physiological processes 1. The mature protein is predominantly expressed in adult liver with embryonic expression beginning at gestation day 14.5 2. INHBC signals through ALK7 receptors in adipose tissue, activating SMAD2/3 signaling to suppress lipolysis and influence systemic metabolism and fat distribution 1. In cancer contexts, INHBC activates ACVR2B-Smad2 signaling to promote hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion 3. Genetically, circulating INHBC shows bidirectional causal relationships with multiple cardiometabolic diseases: elevated INHBC causally associates with reduced lower-body fat, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, while obesity and type 2 diabetes reciprocally increase circulating INHBC 1. INHBC also shows causal associations with chr12 kidney disease and impaired kidney function, with prognostic value for disease progression 45. Notably, INHBC emerges as a sepsis therapeutic target with elevated serum levels in patients and no significant adverse phenome-wide associations 6. ACVR2B blockade with Bimagrumab suppressed INHBC-driven tumor growth, suggesting therapeutic potential for precision oncology approaches 3.