Purified human SDF-5 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. DNA molecules encoding the human SDF-5 proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be used in regulating the binding of Wnt genes to their receptor. In preferred embodiments, the proteins may be used for inducing formation, growth, differentiation, proliferation and/or maintenance of chondrocytes and/or cartilage tissue, and for other tissue repair, such as pancreatic tissue repair.