Noggin, also known as NOG, is a homodimeric glycoprotein that bindsto and modulates the activity of TGF-beta family ligands. It is expressed in condensing cartilage and immature chondrocytes. Noggin antagonizes bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) activities by blocking epitopes on BMPs needed for binding to their receptors. Noggin has been shown to be involved in many developmental processes, such as neural tube formation and joint formation. During development, Noggin diffuses through extracellular matrices and forms morphogenic gradients, regulating cellular responses dependent on the local concentration of the signaling molecule.
