DNA molecules encoding human chordin

Abstract

Purified chordin proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. DNA molecules encoding the chordin proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone, cartilage, other connective tissue defects and disorders, including tendon, ligament and meniscus, in wound healing and related tissue repair, as well as for treatment of disorders and defects to tissues which include epidermis, nerve, muscle, including cardiac muscle, and other tissues and wounds, and organs such as liver, brain, lung, cardiac, pancreas and kidney tissue. The proteins may also be useful for the induction inhibition of growth and/or differentiation of undifferentiated embryonic and stem cells. The proteins may be complexed with other proteins, particularly members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily of proteins.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.