The gene noggin encodes a member of one of at least four distinct gene families encoding secreted polypeptides that bind tomembers of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, suchas BMP, and inhibit the function of these signaling proteinsby preventing their interaction with receptors on the cell surface.
Other antagonists with related functions includeChordin, Follistatin, Sclerostin and members of the DAN family.
These BMP antagonists are assumed to be diffusibleand therefore potentially important in the establishment of BMPactivity gradients in vivo Although structurally distinct, members of these gene familieshave in some cases similar ligand specificity and overlappingpatterns of expression, and in the case of Chordin and Nogginthese proteins apparently are capable of at least partial compensationfor each other.
In addition to these multiple secreted BMP antagonists, there are other secreted proteins whose primaryfunction is to overcome this antagonism.
Thus, thereis a highly complex system to regulate the bioavailability andconsequently the activities of BMPs in the extracellularspace.
Applications:Suitable for use in ELISA.
Western Blot, though not tested, may potentially be used as an application.
