Transforming growth factor, beta 3

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Transforming growth factor beta-3 (TGF-β3) is a human protein produced from the TGFB3 gene. It is a cytokine, part of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family, which also includes other growth factors like BMPs, GDFs, inhibins, and activins. TGF-β3 helps control how cells develop and how tissues form during growth. It is especially important for palate development: it helps the two sides of the developing palate fuse together, and without it, a cleft palate can occur. TGF-β3 also influences lung development by regulating cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix, and it aids wound healing by guiding the movement of skin cells. The protein signals inside cells by binding to the TGF-β receptor 2. In medicine, a lab-made version called avotermin (planned trade name Juvista) showed promise in early trials to improve wound healing, but it did not succeed in Phase III trials.