Recombinant Human GDF-7 Protein

Description
Growth and Differentiation Factors (GDF) are members of the BMP family of TGF-beta superfamily. This group of proteins is characterized by a polybasic proteolytic processing site that is cleaved to produce a mature protein containing seven conserved cysteine residues. The members of this family are regulators of cell growth and differentiation in both embryonic and adult tissues. Studies in rodents suggest that this protein is involved in the establishment of left-right asymmetry in early embryogenesis and in neural development in later embryogenesis.
GDF-7, also known as BMP-12 or cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein 3 (CDMP-3), functions as a homodimer and elicits its bioactivity by mediating the formation of a heterodimeric receptor complex consisting of a type 1 (BMPR-IB) and a type II (BMPR-II or Activin RII) serine/threonine kinase receptor. GDF-7 signaling results in the phosphorylation and activation of cytosolic Smad proteins (Smad1, 5, and 8). GDF-7 is involved in tendon and ligament formation and repair. GDF-7 also regulates bone formation, mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, neuronal differentiation, and axon guidance in the central nervous system.

Full Name
Growth and Differentiation Factor 7

Source
E. coli

Species
Human

Accession #
Q7Z4P5

Molecule Weight
The mature recombinant human GDF-7 is a 14 kDa protein (322-450aa).

Purity
> 95 % as determined by SDS-PAGE

Endotoxin
< 0.1 EU per μg of the protein as determined by the LAL method

Activity
Measured by its ability to induce alkaline phosphatase production by ATDC5 mouse chondrogenic cells. The ED50 for this effect is typically 0.25-1.25 μg/mL.

Storage
-80 °C, avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Storage Buffer
PBS