GDF-5, Species: Human

Growth Differentiation Factor 5 (GDF-5), also known as BMP-14, is a member of the Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) and Transforming Growth Factor ? (TGF-?) families and functions to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation in embryonic and adult tissues. GDF-5 is expressed in the central nervous system and promotes the survival of dopaminergic neurons in animal models of Parkinson's disease. GDF-5 is also important during chondrogenesis and chondrocyte differentiation.