bmp 14

Growth Differentiation Factor 5(GDF-5, BMP-14) is a member of the BMP family of TGFβ superfamily proteins. Human GDF-5, -6, and -7 are a defined subgroup of the BMP family. GDF-5 is synthesized as a homodimeric precursor protein consisting of a 354 amino acid (aa) Nterminal proregion and a 120 aa C-terminal mature peptide. Mature human GDF-5 shares 99% aa sequence identity with both mature mouse and rat GDF-5. GDF-5 signaling is mediated by formation of a heterodimeric complex consisting of a type 1 (BMPR-IB) and a type II (BMPR-IIor Activin RII) serine/threonine kinase receptor which results in the phosphorylation and activation of cytosolic Smad proteins (Smad1, 5, and 8). GDF-5 is involved in multiple developmental processes including limb generation, cartilage development, joint formation, bone morphogenesis, cell survival, and neuritogenesis. Inhibition of GDF-5 expression or alteration of its signaling can facilitate the development of osteoarthritis.

CALCB, also known as CGPR and calcitonin 2, belongs to the calcitonin family. CALCB is a calcitonin (CT) peptide which may play a role in the mediation of human inflammatory diseases. It is highly expressed in the skin, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid. CGRP immunolabeling (IL) was detected in epidermal keratinocytes at levels that were especially high and widespread in the skin of humans from locations afflicted with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and complex region pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS), of monkeys infected with simian immunodeficiency virus, and of rats subjected to L5/L6 spinal nerve ligation, sciatic nerve chronic constriction, and subcutaneous injection of complete Freund's adjuvant. Increased CGRP-IL was also detected in epidermal keratinocytes of transgenic mice with keratin-14 promoter driven overexpression of noggin, an antagonist to BMP-4 signaling. CGPR dilates a variety of vessels including the coronary, cerebral and systemic vasculature.