Recombinant Human GDF3, N-His

Description of Recombinant Human GDF3, N-His

Introduction

Recombinant Human GDF3, also known as Growth Differentiation Factor 3, is a protein that plays a crucial role in embryonic development and stem cell maintenance. It belongs to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily and is a homodimeric protein consisting of two identical subunits.

Structure of Recombinant Human GDF3

The recombinant form of GDF3 is produced by genetic engineering techniques, where the gene encoding for GDF3 is inserted into a host cell, such as E. coli, and then expressed and purified. The resulting protein has a molecular weight of approximately 25 kDa and is composed of 224 amino acids.

The crystal structure of GDF3 has been determined, revealing a compact structure with two subunits held together by disulfide bonds. Each subunit consists of a cystine-knot motif, which is a characteristic feature of TGF-β superfamily proteins. This motif is important for the stability and activity of GDF3.

Activity of Recombinant Human GDF3

GDF3 is primarily known for its role in embryonic development, where it is involved in the formation of various tissues and organs. It is expressed in the primitive streak, a structure that gives rise to the three germ layers in the developing embryo. GDF3 is also expressed in the developing central nervous system, where it promotes the differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons and glial cells.

In addition to its role in embryonic development, GDF3 has also been found to play a role in stem cell maintenance. It has been shown to inhibit the differentiation of embryonic stem cells, promoting their self-renewal and pluripotency. This makes GDF3 a potential tool for maintaining and expanding stem cell populations in vitro.

Furthermore, GDF3 has been implicated in cancer progression. It has been found to be overexpressed in several types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. Studies have shown that GDF3 promotes cancer cell proliferation and invasion, making it a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Application of Recombinant Human GDF3

The recombinant form of GDF3 has various applications in the field of biotechnology and medicine. One of its main uses is in stem cell research, where it is used to maintain and expand stem cell populations. GDF3 can also be used in tissue engineering, as it promotes the differentiation of stem cells into specific cell types.

In addition, recombinant GDF3 has potential applications in cancer treatment. As it is overexpressed in many types of cancer, it can be targeted with specific therapies to inhibit its activity and prevent cancer progression. GDF3 may also have diagnostic applications, as its expression levels can be used as a biomarker for certain types of cancer.

Recombinant Human GDF3 is also used in the production of antibodies. It can be used as an antigen to generate specific antibodies that can be used for research or diagnostic purposes. These antibodies can also be used in immunoassays to detect the presence of GDF3 in biological samples.

Conclusion

In summary, Recombinant Human GDF3 is a crucial protein involved in embryonic development, stem cell maintenance, and cancer progression. Its structure, activity, and applications make it a valuable tool in various fields of research and medicine. Further studies on GDF3 and its potential therapeutic applications are needed to fully understand its role in human health and disease.