Growth differentiation factor 3 (GDF3)

Growth differentiation factor 3 (GDF3) is a secreted protein that belongs to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily and the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family[1][4][5]. It is expressed during embryonic development—especially in ossifying bone—and in adult tissues including brain, thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and adipose tissue[1][4]. GDF3 functions as a bi-functional ligand, modulating TGF-β superfamily signals: it can both potentiate signaling (e.g., enhancing Nodal pathway activity) and inhibit other TGF-β members (such as certain BMPs), thus regulating developmental processes including mesoderm and endoderm formation, left–right axis specification, bone and cartilage differentiation, and retinal development[1][2][3][5][7][10]. Mutations in GDF3 are associated with developmental disorders such as microphthalmia, coloboma, anophthalmia, and Klippel-Feil syndrome[5][7][10]. GDF3 forms disulfide-linked dimers (homodimers or heterodimers with Nodal ligands) for signaling and is crucial for early embryonic patterning in vertebrates[2][5]. No approved drugs directly target GDF3, and its therapeutic manipulation carries risk of developmental and physiological side effects[7].

Other names

Vg-related gene 2Vgr-2UNQ222/PRO248GDF-3KFS3MCOP7MCOPCB6

no approved drugs; GDF3 acts as a modulator/cofactor in the Nodal/TGF-β signaling pathway