This gene encodes a member of the transforming growthfactor beta (TGFB) family of cytokines, which are multifunctionalpeptides that regulate proliferation, differentiation, adhesion,migration, and other functions in many cell types by transducingtheir signal through combinations of transmembrane type I and typeII receptors (TGFBR1 and TGFBR2) and their downstream effectors,the SMAD proteins. Disruption of the TGFB/SMAD pathway has beenimplicated in a variety of human cancers. The encoded protein issecreted and has suppressive effects of interleukin-2 dependentT-cell growth. Translocation t(1;7)(q41;p21) between this gene andHDAC9 is associated with Peters’ anomaly, a congenital defect ofthe anterior chamber of the eye. The knockout mice lacking thisgene show perinatal mortality and a wide range of developmental,including cardiac, defects. Alternatively spliced transcriptvariants encoding different isoforms have been identified.