GDF-3 is a member of the TGF-β superfamily of growth and differentiation factors, and is highly homologous to GDF-9. Unlike most TGF-β family members, GDF-3 and GDF-9 are not disulfide-linked dimers. GDF-3 is expressed in ***** bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and adipose tissue. The expression of GDF-3 is upregulated in high-fat-fed wild-type FABP4/aP2 null mice and was associated with obesity, but not with the related hyperglycemia/hyperinsulinemia that characterizes Type 2 diabetes. Recombinant Human GDF-3 is a 26.0 kDa non-disulfide-linked homodimer containing two 114 amino acid polypeptide chains.
Biological Activity:
Determined by its ability to inhibit induced alkaline phosphatase production by ATDC-5 chondrogenic cells. The ED50 for this effect is 100-150 ng/ml.