Bone morphogenetic protein 6

Bone morphogenetic protein 6 (also known as BMP6) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BMP6 gene. BMP6 belongs to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, a group of proteins involved in the regulation of cellular processes.

Function

BMP6, like other bone morphogenetic proteins, plays a key role in the development of bone and cartilage. It is involved in a variety of biological processes including cell growth, apoptosis, morphogenesis, cell differentiation, and immune response. BMP6 is also implicated in the Wnt signaling pathway, a complex network of proteins crucial for embryonic development.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the BMP6 gene have been associated with a variety of diseases. For instance, mutations in this gene have been linked to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. Additionally, BMP6 has been implicated in cancer development and progression, particularly in breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Structure

The BMP6 protein is a dimeric molecule, consisting of two identical subunits. Each subunit is composed of a large extracellular domain, a single transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic domain. The extracellular domain is responsible for binding to specific receptors on the cell surface, initiating the signal transduction pathway.

See also

• Bone morphogenetic protein
• Transforming growth factor beta
• Wnt signaling pathway