Growth factor involved in early embryonic development and adipose-tissue homeostasis. During embryogenesis controls formation of anterior visceral endoderm and mesoderm and the establishment of anterior-posterior identity through a receptor complex comprising the receptor ACVR1B and the coreceptor TDGF1/Cripto (By similarity). Regulates adipose-tissue homeostasis and energy balance under nutrient overload in part by signaling through the receptor complex based on ACVR1C and TDGF1/Cripto (PubMed:21805089). Homodimer or heterodimer (Potential). But, in contrast to other members of this family, cannot be disulfide-linked. Mainly accumulated in the cytoplasm. Synthesized as large precursor molecule that undergo proteolytic cleavage, releasing the pro-domain from the active, receptor binding, C-terminal region of the molecule. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. In contrast to other members of this family, cannot be disulfide-linked due to an atypical cysteine knot configuration, where the fourth cysteine is missing. This fourth cysteine is involved in an inter-molecular bridge to stabilize the active form of homodimeric or heterodimeric signaling molecules. Belongs to the TGF-beta family. GDF3 entry