Microarrays provide a powerful means of analyzing the expression level of multiple transcripts in two sample populations. In this study, we have used microarray technology to identify genes that are differentially regulated in response to activin-treated ovarian cancer cells. We find a number of biologically relevant genes that are involved in regulating activin signaling and genes potentially contributing to activin-mediated growth arrest appear to be differentially regulated. Thus, microarrays are an important tool for dissecting gene expression changes in normal physiological processes and disease.