This gene encodes a secreted ligand of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily of proteins. Ligands of this family bind various TGF-beta receptors leading to recruitment and activation of SMAD family transcription factors that regulate gene expression. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate each subunit of the disulfide-linked homodimer. Studies in rodents suggest that this protein is involved in the establishment of left-right asymmetry in early embryogenesis and in neural development in later embryogenesis. The encoded protein is translated from a bicistronic mRNA that also encodes ceramide synthase 1. Mutations in this gene are associated with several congenital cardiovascular malformations. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2016],
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Function:
Function:May be either a bona fide (dihydro)ceramide synthase or a modulator of its activity. When overexpressed in cells is involved in the production of sphingolipids containing mainly one fatty acid donnor (N-linked stearoyl- (C18) ceramide) in a fumonisin B1-independent manner.,Function:May mediate cell differentiation events during embryonic development.,miscellaneous:This protein is produced by a bicistronic gene which also produces the GDF1 protein from a non-overlapping reading frame.,miscellaneous:This protein is produced by a bicistronic gene which also produces the LASS1 protein from a non-overlapping reading frame.,similarity:Belongs to the TGF-beta family.,similarity:Contains 1 TLC (TRAM/LAG1/CLN8) domain.,subcellular location:Isoform 1 may recycle from the Golgi to the endoplasmic reticulum.,subunit:Homodimer; disulfide-linked.,tissue specificity:Expressed in the brain.,