Full name: growth differentiation factor 6

Gene type: protein coding

RefSeq status: REVIEWED

Also known as: BMP-13; BMP13; GDF16

Summary: This gene encodes a secreted ligand of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily of proteins. Ligands of this family bind various TGF-beta receptors leading to recruitment and activation of SMAD family transcription factors that regulate gene expression. 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. Mice lacking a functional copy of this gene exhibit joint and skeletal defects. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2016]

Expression: Biased expression in spleen adult (RPKM 5.5), limb E14.5 (RPKM 1.7) and 5 other tissues

Gene size: 17974bp

Exon count: 2