Activin A induction of murine and ovine follicle-stimulating hormone β transcription is SMAD-dependent and TAK1 (MAP3K7)/p38 MAPK-independent in gonadotrope-like cells

► Activin stimulates murine and ovine FSH β transcription via SMAD proteins. ► The TAK1 inhibitor, 5Z-7-Oxozeanol, non-selectively inhibits reporter activity. ► p38 inhibitors block activin type I receptor activity.