Growth differentiation factor-10 (GDF10),also known as BMP3b,is a member of the transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) superfamily. Ligands of this family bind various TGF-beta receptors leading to recruitment and activation of SMAD family transcription factors that regulate gene expression. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate each subunit of the disulfide-linked homodimer. This promotes neural repair after stroke. GDF10 plays a role in head formation and may have multiple roles in skeletal morphogenesis. Additionally,GDF10 may act as a tumor suppressor and reduced expression of this gene is associated with oral cancer.