Binding interfaces of the ActRIIB:activin A complex. A, Positively charged (blue), negatively charged (red), hydrophobic (pink), and hydrophilic (cyan) interfaces are shown on the ActRIIB and activin A monomers. B and C, Close-up of the residues involved in the hydrophobic (B) and hydrophilic (C) interactions at the ActRIIB:activin A binding interface. [Adapted from T. B. Thompson et al: Structures of an ActRIIB:activin A complex reveal a novel binding mode for TGF-β ligand:receptor interactions. EMBO J. 2003;22:1555–1566 (130), with permission. © John Wiley and Sons.]