protein_function: Involved in embryogenesis and cell differentiation.
Transforming growth factor beta 3(TGF-beta 3) is a type of protein, known as a cytokine, which is involved in cell differentiation, embryogenesis and development. It belongs to a large family of cytokines called the Transforming growth factor beta superfamily. TGF-beta 3 is believed to regulate molecules involved in cellular adhesion and extracellular matrix(ECM) formation during the process of palate development. Without TGF-beta 3, mammals develop a deformity known as acleft palate. This is caused by failure of epithelial cells in both sides of the developing palate to fuse. TGF-beta 3 also plays an essential role in controlling the development of lungs in mammals, by also regulating cell adhesion and ECM formation in this tissue, and controls wound healing by regulating the movements of epidermal and dermal cells in injured skin. TGF-beta 3 activated Lef1 in the absence of beta-catenin(CTNNB1) via nuclear phospho-Smad2 and Smad4.