| Scientific Background: | GDF-3 is a bi-functional protein that has some intrinsic activity and also modulate other TGF-β superfamily members (e.g. potentiates the activity of NODAL). It may also inhibit other TGF-β superfamily members (i.e. BMPs), thus regulating the balance between different modes of TGF-β signaling. It has been shown to negatively and positively control differentiation of embryonic stem cells in mice and humans. This molecule plays a role in mesoderm and definitive endoderm formation during the pre-gastrulation stages of development. |
