GDF6

Fig1. A schematic diagram, based on the template image of human fetal spine sectioned in sagittal plane (a), shows the organization of the vertebral column and associated GDF6 expression at week 8 (b), week 13 (c) and week 19 (d) of gestational ages. (Aiqun Wei, 2016)

What is GDF6 protein?

GDF6 (growth differentiation factor 6) gene is a protein coding gene which situated on the long arm of chromosome 8 at locus 8q22. This gene encodes a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family and the TGF-beta superfamily of secreted signaling molecules. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate each subunit of the disulfide-linked homodimer. This protein is required for normal formation of some bones and joints in the limbs, skull, and axial skeleton. The GDF6 protein is consisted of 455 amino acids and its molecular mass is approximately 50.7 kDa.

What is the function of GDF6 protein?

GDF6 mainly plays a role in embryonic development, tissue repair and maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. It is involved in the formation and maintenance of bone, muscle and nervous system, and plays a key role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. In the nervous system, GDF6 has a positive effect on neuroprotection and neuronal regeneration, and may be involved in the pathological processes of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, GDF6 also showed potential functions in regulating inflammatory response and inhibiting tumor development.

GDF6 Related Signaling Pathway

The signaling pathway of GDF6 is mainly involved in a MAD-dependent pathway in which ligand binding leads to receptor activation, which in turn leads to phosphorylation of Smad proteins. These phosphorylated Smad proteins then form complexes with co-mediators Smad, such as Smad4, and migrate into the nucleus to regulate transcription of target genes. In addition, GDF6 can also activate Smad independent pathways, including MAPK (e.g. ERK, JNK, p38), PI3K/Akt, and Wnt signaling pathways, which may have different roles in different types of cells. Through these signaling cascades, GDF6 is involved in regulating a variety of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and tissue regeneration and repair.

GDF6 Related Diseases

Gdf-6-related diseases involve a variety of pathological states, including muscle dysplasia, bone disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and certain types of cancer. For example, GDF-6's role in muscle atrophy and muscle regeneration suggests a link to muscle dysplasia and motor neurone disease. Furthermore, the increased expression of GDF-6 in osteoarthritis suggests that it may be involved in the process of destruction and repair of articular cartilage. There is also research suggesting that GDF-6 may play a role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. In the field of oncology, changes in the expression of GDF-6 have also been found to be associated with the development of breast cancer, prostate cancer and other cancers.

Bioapplications of GDF6

Existing applications lie primarily in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, where GDF6 is being studied for the treatment of arthritis and cartilage damage due to its potential to promote cartilage formation and repair. In addition, GDF6 is also of interest in the field of neurobiology because it may be involved in neuroprotection and nerve regeneration processes. Although therapeutic applications for GDF6 are still in the research and development phase, preliminary studies show that its potential therapeutic value for certain diseases, such as muscular dystrophy and other degenerative diseases, is being explored.