Recombinant Human CHRD protein

**Background of CHRD (Chordin) Recombinant Protein**

Chordin (CHRD) is a secreted glycoprotein crucial in embryonic development, particularly in establishing the dorsal-ventral axis. It acts as a key antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), growth factors that regulate cell differentiation and tissue patterning. By binding directly to BMPs (e.g., BMP2. BMP4), Chordin inhibits their interaction with receptors, thereby modulating BMP signaling gradients essential for proper neural induction, organogenesis, and skeletal formation. This regulatory mechanism is conserved across species, with homologs identified in vertebrates and invertebrates.

Structurally, Chordin contains multiple cysteine-rich (CR) domains that mediate BMP binding. Its activity is further regulated by extracellular proteases, such as Tolloid, which cleave Chordin to release BMPs, fine-tuning signaling dynamics. Dysregulation of Chordin-BMP interactions is linked to developmental disorders, including skeletal malformations and congenital heart defects, underscoring its biological significance.

Recombinant Chordin protein is produced using expression systems like *E. coli* or mammalian cells, enabling scalable synthesis for research and therapeutic applications. It retains the native protein's ability to bind BMPs, making it a valuable tool for studying developmental pathways, tissue engineering, and disease models. For instance, recombinant Chordin is used to investigate BMP-driven processes in cancer, fibrosis, and bone regeneration.

In drug discovery, Chordin-derived peptides or mimics are explored for modulating BMP signaling in conditions with excessive BMP activity, such as fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. Quality-controlled batches of recombinant Chordin are validated via SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and functional assays (e.g., BMP inhibition in cell cultures), ensuring consistency for experimental and preclinical use.

Overall, Chordin recombinant protein serves as a pivotal reagent in developmental biology and regenerative medicine, bridging mechanistic insights with therapeutic potential.