Bone morphogenetic protein 15

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (also known as BMP15) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BMP15 gene. BMP15 is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily, which is a group of proteins involved in the regulation of cellular processes.

Function

BMP15 is an oocyte-derived growth factor in ovarian follicles. It plays a key role in oocyte maturation, folliculogenesis, and female fertility. BMP15 is involved in the development of the ovarian follicle from the primary to the antral stage, and it also plays a role in the prevention of granulosa cell apoptosis.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the BMP15 gene have been associated with premature ovarian failure (POF), ovarian dysgenesis 1, and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). These conditions are characterized by a loss of ovarian function before the age of 40.

Structure

The BMP15 protein is composed of 392 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 44 kDa. It is synthesized as a preproprotein that undergoes proteolytic processing to generate the mature protein.

See also

• Bone morphogenetic protein
• Ovarian follicle
• Transforming growth factor beta