Recombinant Human Growth differentiation factor-3 (GDF3)

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.

Q9NR23.3

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This Recombinant Human GDF3 produced in Escherichia coli is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain comprising 124 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of approximately 14.15 kDa. The protein includes an N-terminal 10 amino acid His tag and is purified using proprietary chromatographic methods to ensure high purity.

The protein was lyophilized from a concentrated solution (0.5 mg/mL) in 30 mM acetate buffer, pH 4.0.

It is recommended to reconstitute the lyophilized GDF3 in sterile 100 mM acetate buffer, pH 4, at a final concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. When diluting into buffers with higher pH, dilute the reconstituted protein to 10 µg/mL to enhance solubility. At higher concentrations, the solubility of GDF3 may be limited. NOTE: The protein preparation is not sterile; sterile filtration is required prior to use in cell culture applications.

Lyophilized GDF3:
Should be stored desiccated below -20°C for long-term stability, but Is stable at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Reconstituted GDF3:
Can be stored at 2-8°C for 2-7 days. For future or long-term use, store below -18°C. To enhance long-term storage stability, it is recommended to add a carrier protein (such as 0.1% HSA or BSA). Prevent freeze-thaw cycles.

1. Van den Eijnden-van Raaij, A. et al. (1998) Oncogene 16: 95
2. Brown, C. et al. (2006) Development 133: 319
3. Yu, L. et al. (2005) Neurosci Lett 389: 83
4. Brivanlou, A. et al. (2006) Cell Cycle 5: 1069
5. Brivanlou, AH. et al. (2006) Developement 133: 209