Growth factor of the TGF-beta superfamily that plays essential roles in many developmental processes, including cartilage and bone formation or neurogenesis (, ). Initiates the canonical BMP signaling cascade by associating with type I receptor BMPR1A and type II receptor BMPR2 . In turn, BMPR1A propagates signal by phosphorylating SMAD1/5/8 that travel to the nucleus and act as activators and repressors of transcription of target genes (, ). Can also signal through non-canonical pathway such as MAPK p38 signaling cascade to promote chondrogenic differentiation . Promotes the expression of HAMP, this is repressed by its interaction with ERFE .
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Expressed in the lung and liver.