Full name: growth differentiation factor 9

Gene type: protein coding

RefSeq status: REVIEWED

Also known as: POF14

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 regulates ovarian function. Reduced expression of this gene may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and mutations in this gene may be more common in mothers of dizygotic twins. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2016]

Expression: Broad expression in testis (RPKM 3.7), heart (RPKM 1.7) and 25 other tissues

Gene size: 5467bp

Exon count: 6