Description
Growth factor of the TGF-beta superfamily that plays essential roles in many developmental processes including cartilage and bone formation (PubMed:31019025). Plays also an important role in the regulation of iron metabolism by acting as a ligand for hemojuvelin/HJV (By similarity). Initiates the canonical BMP signaling cascade by associating with type I receptor ACVR1 and type II receptor ACVR2B (PubMed:18070108). 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. Can also signal through non-canonical pathway such as TAZ-Hippo signaling cascade to modulate VEGF signaling by regulating VEGFR2 expression (PubMed:33021694)