Gene:
cripto, FRL-1, cryptic family 1
Description:
This gene encodes a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)- Cripto, Frl-1, and Cryptic (CFC) family. EGF-CFC family member proteins share a variant EGF-like motif, a conserved cysteine-rich domain, and a C-terminal hydrophobic region. These proteins play key roles in intercellular signaling pathways during vertebrate embryogenesis. Mutations in this gene can cause autosomal visceral heterotaxy. This protein is involved in left-right asymmetric morphogenesis during organ development.