Description
Growth differentiation factor-3 (GDF3) also known as Vg-related gene 2 (Vgr-2), is a protein belonging to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily. It has high similarity to other TGF-β superfamily members called Vg1, BMP2, BMP6 and GDF1, but lacks one of the conserved cysteine residues common to all other TGF-β superfamily members.1 Expression of GDF3 occurs in ossifying bone during embryonic development and in the brain, thymus, spleen, bone marrow and adipose tissue of adults.2,3 GDF3 is a bi-functional protein that inhibits some TGF-β superfamily members (e.g. BMPs) while activating others, thus regulating the balance between different modes of TGF-beta signaling.4 GDF3 regulates both of the two major characteristics of embryonic stem cells: the ability to maintain the undifferentiated state and the ability to differentiate into the full spectrum of cell types.5