Recombinant Human Growth differentiation factor-3 (GDF3) - 5 μg

Growth differentiation factor-3 (GDF3), also referred to as Vg-related gene 2 (Vgr-2), is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, a group of regulatory proteins with critical roles in diverse developmental and adult cellular processes. GDF3 is closely related to Vg1, GDF1, BMP2, and BMP6, but uniquely lacks a conserved cysteine residue found in other TGF-β superfamily members.​ During embryonic development, GDF3 is expressed in ossifying bone, while in adults, expression is detected in the brain, thymus, spleen, bone marrow, retina, and adipose tissue, reflecting diverse functional relevance. As a bi-functional modulator, GDF3 inhibits bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and potentiates the activity of select TGF-β pathways, including NODAL, balancing multiple modes of TGF-β signaling during development and tissue homeostasis.​ GDF3 is a key regulator of embryonic stem cell pluripotency, contributing to both the maintenance of undifferentiated states and the capacity for differentiation into various cell types. Additionally, GDF3 has established roles in mesoderm and endoderm formation, anterior-posterior patterning, ocular and skeletal development, and adipose tissue metabolic regulation.​ Mutations in the human GDF3 gene have been associated with disorders such as microphthalmia, coloboma, and Klippel-Feil syndrome, underscoring its importance in normal development.​ This molecular profile and functional spectrum highlight the importance of GDF3 in stem cell biology, embryology, and potential disease pathogenesis, supporting its relevance for research in developmental biology and regenerative medicine.