GDF-2 belongs to the TGF-β cytokine family, whose members play an important role during prenatal development and postnatal growth, and the remodeling and maintenance of a variety of tissues and organs. GDF-2 is expressed mainly in non-parenchymal cells of the liver, but is also found in other various cells and tissues. GDF-2 can signal through the ALK1 receptor, and has been implicated in a number of physiologic events including the regulation of the hepatic reticuloendothelial system, glucose homeostasis, iron homeostasis, and the inhibition of angiogenesis. Recombinant Human GDF-2 is a 24.1 kDa disulfide-linked homodimeric protein consisting of two 110 amino acid polypeptide chains.
Biological Activity:
Determined by its ability to induce alkaline phosphatase production by ATDC-5 cells. The expected ED50 for this effect is 0.5-1.9 ng/ml.