Growth and Differentiation Factor 7 (GDF7) Mouse Active Protein

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 may play a role in the differentiation of tendon cells and spinal cord interneurons. Mice lacking a functional copy of this gene exhibit absence of some spinal dopaminergic neurons and brain defects, male sterility, and premature death. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2016]

GDF7: May play an active role in the motor area of the primate neocortex. Belongs to the TGF-beta family.

Protein type: Cell development/differentiation; Cytokine; Secreted; Secreted, signal peptide

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 12|12 A1.1

Cellular Component: extracellular region; extracellular space

Molecular Function: cytokine activity; protein binding; protein homodimerization activity; transforming growth factor beta receptor binding

Biological Process: activin receptor signaling pathway; axon guidance; BMP signaling pathway; branching morphogenesis of a tube; cell fate commitment; epithelial cell differentiation; forebrain morphogenesis; gland morphogenesis; midbrain development; neural tube development; positive regulation of neuron differentiation; positive regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent; regulation of apoptosis; regulation of MAPKKK cascade; reproductive structure development; roof plate formation; spinal cord association neuron differentiation