GREM1 Human

GREM1 is a secreted protein that binds directly to BMP dimers, preventing them from interacting with their receptors (BMPRII and BMPRI) and thus inhibiting BMP signaling . This inhibition is crucial for maintaining a balance in BMP signaling, which is necessary for proper organogenesis, tissue differentiation, and kidney development . In fact, Grem1 knockout mice exhibit severe developmental defects, including renal agenesis and limb malformations .

GREM1 has been implicated in various cancers, acting both as a tumor promoter and suppressor depending on the context . In breast cancer, for example, GREM1 is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), where it promotes cancer cell invasion and metastasis by inhibiting BMP signaling and activating other pathways such as EGFR and VEGFR . Conversely, in pancreatic cancer, GREM1 has been shown to promote an epithelial state, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis .

Human recombinant GREM1 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the GREM1 gene into an expression vector and introducing it into a host cell, such as E. coli or mammalian cells. The host cells then produce the GREM1 protein, which can be purified and used for various research and therapeutic applications. Recombinant GREM1 is particularly useful for studying its role in BMP signaling and its implications in diseases like cancer .

Given its dual role in cancer, GREM1 is a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Inhibiting GREM1 in cancers where it acts as a tumor promoter could help in reducing cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Conversely, enhancing GREM1 activity in cancers where it acts as a tumor suppressor could inhibit tumor growth .