Growth Differentiation Factor 5 (GDF5), also known as Cartilage-Derived Morphogenetic Protein 1 (CDMP1) or Bone Morphogenetic Protein 14 (BMP-14), is a member of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. This family of proteins plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and development in various tissues, including bone and cartilage .
The GDF5 gene encodes a secreted ligand that binds to TGF-β receptors, leading to the activation of SMAD family transcription factors, which regulate gene expression . The protein is synthesized as a preproprotein and undergoes proteolytic processing to generate a mature protein. The mature GDF5 protein contains seven conserved cysteine residues, which are essential for its biological activity .
Recombinant GDF5 (Mouse) with a His Tag is a genetically engineered version of the protein, produced in a laboratory setting. The His Tag, a string of histidine residues, is added to the N- or C-terminus of the protein to facilitate its purification and detection . This tag allows the protein to bind to metal ions, such as nickel, enabling its isolation through immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) .
The recombinant GDF5 (Mouse) with His Tag is typically produced in bacterial expression systems, such as E. coli. The protein is expressed as a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain and purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques . The His Tag aids in the purification process, ensuring a high degree of purity and facilitating downstream applications .
GDF5 is involved in various biological processes, including:
Mutations in the GDF5 gene are associated with various skeletal disorders, such as brachydactyly, chondrodysplasia, and multiple synostoses syndrome . Additionally, GDF5 has potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases due to its ability to promote cartilage repair and regeneration .