Cripto, EGF-CFC family member 3 (CRIPTO3)

Cripto, EGF-CFC family member 3 (CRIPTO3), is a protein coded by the CRIPTO3 gene (also known as TDGF3, TDGF2, TDGF1P3, CR-3) located on the X chromosome.[3][4] Originally annotated as a pseudogene due to its resemblance to CRIPTO1 (Cripto-1/TDGF1), CRIPTO3 is now recognized as a bona fide protein-coding gene; it encodes a 188-amino acid protein highly homologous (differing by only six amino acids) to Cripto-1.[1][2][5] CRIPTO3 is transcribed and translated in human tissues—especially in tumors—where its expression correlates with disease severity and cell signaling activity.[1][2] Functionally, CRIPTO3 activates the Nodal-dependent signaling pathway and may compete with Cripto-1 (CR1) for binding to partners such as Nodal, GRP78 (glucose-regulated protein 78), and Alk4 (activin receptor-like kinase 4), suggesting overlap in developmental and oncogenic signaling roles.[2][3] While not formally established as a therapeutic target or receptor, CRIPTO3’s emerging roles in cancer biology suggest potential utility as a prognostic biomarker, but there are currently no approved drugs directly targeting CRIPTO3 and its therapeutic relevance requires further study.[1][2][3]

Other names

CRIPTO3CR-3CRIPTO-3TDGF1P3TDGF2TDGF3protein CRIPTO3Cripto-3 growth factorEpidermal growth factor-like cripto protein CR3Teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor 1 pseudogene 3Teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor 2Teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor 3Cripto, putative teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor 3