GDF-2

GDF-2 belongs to the TGF-ß cytokine family whose members play an important role during prenatal development and postnatal growth, remodeling and maintenance of a variety of tissues and organs. GDF-2 is expressed mainly in nonparenchymal 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. These include regulation of the hepatic reticuloendothelial system, glucose homeostasis, and iron homeostasis, as well as 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.