该基因编码TGFβ（转化生长因子β）超家族的一个分泌配体这个家族的配体结合各种tgfβ受体，导致调节基因表达的smad家族转录因子的募集和激活。编码的前蛋白经蛋白质水解处理以产生二硫键连接的同二聚体的每个亚单位。该蛋白在多种细胞类型中表达，作为一种多效性细胞因子参与细胞损伤后的应激反应增加的蛋白质水平与疾病状态，如组织缺氧，炎症，急性损伤和氧化应激有关。[由RefSeq提供，2016年8月]
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. The protein is expressed in a broad range of cell types, acts as a pleiotropic cytokine and is involved in the stress response program of cells after cellular injury. Increased protein levels are associated with disease states such as tissue hypoxia, inflammation, acute injury and oxidative stress. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2016]