Definition:

Growth factor of the TGF-beta superfamily that plays important role in various biological processes, including embryogenesis, hematopoiesis, neurogenesis and skeletal morphogenesis. Initiates the canonical BMP signaling cascade by associating with type I receptor ACVR1 and type II receptor ACVR2A. Once all three components are bound together in a complex at the cell surface, ACVR2A phosphorylates and activates ACVR1. 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 genes. For specific functions such as growth cone collapse in developing spinal neurons and chemotaxis of monocytes, uses also BMPR2 as type II receptor. Can also signal through non-canonical pathways such as P38 MAP kinase signaling cascade that promotes brown adipocyte differentiation through activation of target genes, including members of the SOX family of transcription factors.