: It typically suppresses "default" neural differentiation to promote skin formation; however, in the adult brain, it helps maintain neural stem cell pools. Metabolic & Clinical Significance
: It can also directly activate pathways like ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK to regulate migration and survival. in the adult brain
is a versatile secreted signaling molecule belonging to the TGF-beta superfamily . Known for its critical role in early development and tissue homeostasis, it acts as a "master controller" for cellular fate. Biological Structure & Mechanisms in the adult brain