TGFA (transforming growth factor alpha) is a mitogenic polypeptide that functions as a growth factor by binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and promoting cell proliferation 1. The protein acts through EGFR signaling pathways and can work synergistically with other growth factors to stimulate anchorage-independent cell growth. TGFA plays important roles in development, particularly craniofacial development, as genetic variants in TGFA are associated with nonsyndromic oral clefts, including cleft palate and cleft lip with or without cleft palate 12. Meta-analyses have confirmed significant associations between TGFA Taq I polymorphisms and increased risk of cleft lip/palate, particularly in Caucasian populations 2. The gene also contributes to tooth development, with variants associated with human tooth agenesis, especially premolar agenesis 3. Additionally, TGFA variants have been implicated in other developmental disorders including congenital non-syndromic hearing impairment 4 and osteoarthritis, where elevated peripheral TGFA concentrations correlate with disease severity 5. The protein's involvement in inflammatory responses is evidenced by its upregulation in poor ischemic stroke outcomes 6, suggesting broader roles in tissue injury and repair mechanisms beyond its established developmental functions.