Description
Product Characteristics: This gene encodes a secreted ligand of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily of proteins. Ligands of this family bind various TGF-beta receptors leading to recruitment and activation of SMAD family transcription factors that regulate gene expression. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate each subunit of the disulfide-linked homodimer. This protein regulates ovarian function. Reduced expression of this gene may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and mutations in this gene may be more common in mothers of dizygotic twins.,GDF9,Signal Transduction,Cell Biology & Developmental Biology,Growth factor,Immunology & Inflammation,Cytokines,Stem Cells,Cardiovascular,Angiogenesis,GDF9
Target Information: Growth factors synthesized by ovarian somatic cells directly affect oocyte growth and function. Growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) is expressed in oocytes and is thought to be required for ovarian folliculogenesis. GDF9 is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]