Growth Differentiation Factor 7 (GDF7)

Growth differentiation factor 7 (GDF7) is a protein belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily that is specifically found in a signaling center known as the roof plate that is located in the developing nervous system of embryos. Growth differentiation factors (GDFs) are a subfamily of proteins belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily that have functions predominantly in development.The roof plate is required for the generation of several classes of spinal cord dorsal interneurons; Growth Differentiation Factor 7 specifically induces the formation of sensory neurons in the dorsal spinal cord from neural crest cells by generating signals within the roof plate.