[5][6] It is a type of protein, known as a cytokine, which is involved in cell differentiation, embryogenesis and development.

It belongs to a large family of cytokines called the Transforming growth factor beta superfamily, which includes the TGF-β family, Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), growth and differentiation factors (GDFs), inhibins and activins.

[7] TGF-β3 is believed to regulate molecules involved in cellular adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation during the process of palate development.

[8][9] This is caused by failure of epithelial cells in both sides of the developing palate to fuse.

TGF-β3 also plays an essential role in controlling the development of lungs in mammals, by also regulating cell adhesion and ECM formation in this tissue,[10] and controls wound healing by regulating the movements of epidermal and dermal cells in injured skin.