GDF1 is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family and the TGF-beta superfamily. This group of proteins is characterized by a polybasic proteolytic processing site which is cleaved to produce a mature protein containing seven conserved cysteine residues. The members of this family are regulators of cell growth and differentiation in both embryonic and adult tissues. Studies in rodents suggest that this protein is involved in the establishment of left-right assymetry in early embryogenesis and in neural development in later embryogenesis. This protein is transcribed from a bicistronic mRNA which also encodes the longevity assurance gene.