GDF Family

1. GDF Family Overview Growth differentiation factors (GDFs) are a subfamily of proteins belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily that have functions predominantly in development. They are produced as inactive preproproteins which are then cleaved and assembled into active secreted homodimers. GDF dimers are disulfide-linked with the exception of GDF-3 and GDF-9. GDF proteins are important during embryonic development, particularly in the skeletal, nervous, and muscular systems. Members of GDF family Table 1. GDF family related products GDF1 GDF2 GDF3 GDF5 GDF6 GDF7 GDF Ligands GDF9 GDF10 GDF11 GDF15 GDF1  Growth differentiation factor 1 (GDF1) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GDF1 gene. GDF1 belongs to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily that has a role in left-right patterning and mesoderm induction during embryonic development. It is found in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves of embryos. GDF2  Growth differentiation factor 2 (GDF2) also known as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GDF2 gene.

2. GDF2 belongs to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily. GDF2 contains an N-terminal TGF-beta-like pro-peptide (prodomain) (residues 56– 257) and a C-terminal transforming growth factor beta superfamily domain (325–428). GDF2 is secreted as a pro-complex consisting of the BMP9 growth factor dimer non-covalently bound to two BMP9 prodomain molecules in an open-armed conformation. GDF3  Growth differentiation factor 3 (GDF3), also known as Vg-related gene 2 (Vgr- 2) is protein that in humans is encoded by the GDF3 gene. GDF3 belongs to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily. It has high similarity to other TGF-β superfamily members including Vg1 (found in frogs) and GDF1. GDF-3 transcripts were detected primarily in adult bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and adipose tissue. GDF5  Growth differentiation factor 5 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GDF5 gene. GDF5 is a protein belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily that is expressed in the developing central nervous system, and has a role in skeletal and joint development. It also increases the survival of neurones that respond to the neurotransmitter dopamine, and is a potential therapeutic molecule associated with Parkinson's disease. Figure 1. Structure of the GDF5 protein. https://www.creative-diagnostics.com/gdf-family.htm