Growth Differentiation Factor 1 (GDF1)

Growth differentiation factor-1 (GDF1) is a protein belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily that has a role in left-right patterning and mesoderm induction during embryonic development. It is found in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves of embryos

This group of proteins is characterized by a polybasic proteolytic processing site that is cleaved to produce a mature protein containing seven conserved cysteine residues. Studies in rodents suggest that this protein is involved in the establishment of left-right asymmetry in early embryogenesis and in neural development in later embryogenesis. This protein is transcribed from a bicistronic mRNA that also encodes the longevity assurance gene.