GDF7 Mouse
Description
Introduction to GDF7 in Mouse Models
Growth Differentiation Factor 7 (GDF7), also known as Bone Morphogenetic Protein 12 (BMP-12) or Cartilage-Derived Morphogenetic Protein 3 (CDMP-3), is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. In mice, it is encoded by the Gdf7 gene located on chromosome 2 . GDF7 is a disulfide-linked homodimer with a mature form containing 146 amino acids and a molecular weight of approximately 28 kDa . It plays critical roles in neural development, tissue repair, and pathophysiological processes .
Functional Roles in Neural Development
GDF7 is essential for neuronal patterning and sensory neuron differentiation:
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Roof Plate Signaling: GDF7 is expressed in the roof plate of the developing nervous system, where it induces dorsal spinal cord interneurons (e.g., D1A neurons) from neural crest progenitors .
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Sensory Lineage Commitment: Unlike other BMPs (e.g., BMP2), GDF7 exclusively promotes sensory (S) neuron differentiation in neural crest cells at all concentrations tested .
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Knockout Phenotypes: Gdf7 mutant mice lack D1A neurons but retain D1B neurons, underscoring its non-redundant role in neuronal identity specification .
Role in Tissue Repair and Pathophysiology
In sepsis models, recombinant mouse GDF7 (rmGDF7) improves survival by mitigating acute lung injury (ALI) through pathways involving AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) .
Research Applications and Recombinant Protein
Recombinant mouse GDF7 is widely used in in vitro studies for its neurogenic and tissue engineering applications .
Key Research Findings
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Neural Crest Differentiation: GDF7 induces Brn3a+/TrkA+ sensory neurons from dorsal neural tube progenitors, distinct from CNS interneurons .
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Transcriptional Regulation: Activates Lhx2/Lhx9 in D1A neurons but not in peripheral sensory neurons .
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Sepsis Therapy: rmGDF7 reduces LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-α levels by 50–70% and improves pulmonary compliance in mice .
Product Specs
(a) Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis.
(b) Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis.
Product Science Overview
GDF-7 was first identified as a protein involved in the development and differentiation of various tissues. It is synthesized as a large precursor protein that consists of an N-terminal signal sequence, a pro-region, and a C-terminal mature peptide . The mature peptide is responsible for the biological activity of GDF-7.
GDF-7 plays a crucial role in the development and repair of tissues. It is particularly important in the differentiation of tendon and ligament cells, as well as in the repair of injured organs . GDF-7 has been shown to promote the expansion of hepatic progenitor cells in liver fibrosis, suggesting a potential pro-regenerative function .
GDF-7 exerts its effects by binding to specific receptors on the surface of target cells. These receptors are part of the BMP receptor family, which includes BMPR1A and BMPR2 . Upon binding to these receptors, GDF-7 activates intracellular signaling pathways that lead to the expression of genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, and repair.
Recombinant Mouse GDF-7 is produced using E. coli expression systems. The recombinant protein is purified to high levels of purity and is available in both carrier-free and carrier-containing formulations . The carrier protein, typically Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), enhances protein stability and shelf-life .
Recombinant Mouse GDF-7 is used in various research applications, including:
- Cell and tissue culture: To study the effects of GDF-7 on cell differentiation and tissue repair.
- ELISA standards: As a standard in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to quantify GDF-7 levels in biological samples.
- In vitro studies: To investigate the signaling pathways activated by GDF-7 and its role in tissue development and repair .
