Growth factor involved in early embryonic development and adipose-tissue homeostasis. During embryogenesis controls formation of anterior visceral endoderm and mesoderm and the establishment of anterior-posterior identity through a receptor complex comprising the receptor ACVR1B and the coreceptor TDGF1/Cripto . Regulates adipose-tissue homeostasis and energy balance under nutrient overload in part by signaling through the receptor complex based on ACVR1C and TDGF1/Cripto.