GDF-3 Human Active Protein

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family and the TGF-beta superfamily. This group of proteins is characterized by a polybasic proteolytic processing site which is cleaved to produce a mature protein containing seven conserved cysteine residues. The members of this family are regulators of cell growth and differentiation in both embryonic and adult tissues. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Subunit structure: Homodimer or heterodimer

Potential. But, in contrast to other members of this family, cannot be disulfide-linked.

Subcellular location: Secreted

Probable.

Involvement in disease: Klippel-Feil syndrome 3, autosomal dominant (KFS3) [MIM:613702]: A skeletal disorder characterized by congenital fusion of cervical vertebrae. It is due to a failure in the normal segmentation of vertebrae during the early weeks of fetal development. The clinical triad consists of short neck, low posterior hairline, and limited neck movement.Note: The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry.Microphthalmia, isolated, with coloboma, 6 (MCOPCB6) [MIM:613703]: A disorder of eye formation, ranging from small size of a single eye to complete bilateral absence of ocular tissues. Ocular abnormalities like opacities of the cornea and lens, scaring of the retina and choroid, and other abnormalities may also be present. Ocular colobomas are a set of malformations resulting from abnormal morphogenesis of the optic cup and stalk, and the fusion of the fetal fissure (optic fissure).Note: The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. Ref.4Microphthalmia, isolated, 7 (MCOP7) [MIM:613704]: A disorder of eye formation, ranging from small size of a single eye to complete bilateral absence of ocular tissues. Ocular abnormalities like opacities of the cornea and lens, scaring of the retina and choroid, and other abnormalities may also be present.Note: The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. Ref.4

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the TGF-beta family.