Growth factor of the TGF-beta superfamily that plays important role in various biological processes, including embryogenesis, hematopoiesis, neurogenesis and skeletal morphogenesis . Initiates the canonical BMP signaling cascade by associating with type I receptor ACVR1 and type II receptor ACVR2A (, ). Once all three components are bound together in a complex at the cell surface, ACVR2A phosphorylates and activates ACVR1. In turn, ACVR1 propagates signal by phosphorylating SMAD1/5/8 that travel to the nucleus and act as activators and repressors of transcription of target genes . For specific functions such as growth cone collapse in developing spinal neurons and chemotaxis of monocytes, uses also BMPR2 as type II receptor . Can also signal through non-canonical pathways such as P38 MAP kinase signaling cascade that promotes brown adipocyte differentiation through activation of target genes, including members of the SOX family of transcription factors . Promotes the expression of HAMP, this is repressed by its interaction with ERFE .
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Expressed in the kidney and bladder. Lower levels seen in the brain.