Description |
GDF5 is a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). BMPs belong to the TGF-a superfamily of structurally related signaling proteins. As implied by their name, BMPs promote and regulate bone development, growth, remodeling and repair, in both prenatal development and postnatal growth of eye, heart, kidney, skin, and other tissues. In addition to its osteogenic activity, GDF5 is a principal inhibitor of cartilage development and is predominantly expressed in long bone during human embryonic development. Recombinant human GDF5 is a homodimeric protein consisting of two 120 amino acid polypeptide chains. |