The patterning of the CNS relies on the interaction of multiple signaling molecules such as Sonic Hedgehog, Wnts, and BMPs and their antagonists Chordin and Noggin. At midgastrula, expression of Noggin overlaps that of Chordin. Chordin is a key developmental protein that dorsalizes early vertebrate embryonic tissues by binding to ventralizing TGF-beta-like bone morphogenetic proteins and sequestering them in latent complexes. The gene which encodeschordin maps to human chromosome 3q27. Noggin is a secreted protein that binds and inactivates members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of signaling proteins, such as BMP-2,4,7. The gene which encodes noggin maps to human chromosome 17q22.