Anti-Chordin antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Chordin also known as CHRD is a protein important in vertebrate embryonic development. It weighs approximately 120 kDa. Chordin mainly operates by binding and inhibiting the activity of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) which are part of the TGF-beta superfamily. It gets expressed in the dorsal mesoderm during early development and in various tissues in adult organisms including the central nervous system and skeletal tissue.

Biological function summary

Chordin functions by modulating the effects of BMP signaling which is important for proper tissue differentiation. Chordin acts as a BMP antagonist by binding to BMPs preventing their interaction with receptors. This interaction allows the establishment of a morphogen gradient essential for dorsal-ventral axis formation during embryonic stages. Chordin is not known to form part of a larger molecular complex; rather it functions as a single agent in the inhibition of BMP interactions.

Pathways

Chordin plays a role in the BMP signaling and the dorsoventral axis formation pathways. It interacts with BMP proteins like BMP-4 to balance signals needed for correct tissue development. The secretion of Chordin and subsequent BMP binding affect signaling through pathways such as the Smad proteins which mediate BMP signal transduction. This results in spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression necessary for developmental processes.

Associated diseases and disorders

Disruptions in Chordin function are associated with congenital malformations like the Arnold-Chiari malformation and congenital heart disease. Incorrect BMP signaling due to altered Chordin activity has been shown to contribute to these conditions. Additionally defects in BMP pathway regulation involving Chordin can influence interactions with proteins such as Noggin which further manage BMP activity and can compound disease outcomes.