Anti-TDGF1

This gene encodes an epidermal growth factor-related protein that contains a cripto, FRL-1, and cryptic domain. The encoded protein is an extracellular, membrane-bound signaling protein that plays an essential role in embryonic development and tumor growth. Mutations in this gene are associated with forebrain defects. Pseudogenes of this gene are found on chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 8, 19 and X. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. Protein function: GPI-anchored cell membrane protein involved in Nodal signaling. Cell-associated TDGF1 acts as a Nodal coreceptor in cis. Shedding of TDGF1 by TMEM8A modulates Nodal signaling by allowing soluble TDGF1 to act as a Nodal coreceptor on other cells (PubMed:27881714). Could play a role in the determination of the epiblastic cells that subsequently give rise to the mesoderm (PubMed:11909953). [The UniProt Consortium]