Bone morphogenic protein

Bone morphogenic protein (BMP) is a group of growth factors known as cytokines and metamorphogens. Originally discovered by their ability to induce the formation of bone and cartilage, BMPs are now considered to constitute a group of pivotal morphogenetic signals, orchestrating tissue architecture throughout the body.

History

The bone morphogenic proteins were originally identified by an ability of demineralized bone extract to induce endochondral osteogenesis in vivo in an extraskeletal site. Since then, BMPs have been proven to be potent osteogenic signals.

Function

BMPs interact with specific receptors on the cell surface, referred to as BMP receptors, which lead to the activation of signal transduction pathways. BMPs are part of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily, which is a large group of proteins responsible for the regulation of embryonic development and tissue homeostasis in adult organisms.

Clinical significance

BMPs have proven to be clinically useful in the treatment of bone and cartilage injuries. They have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in spinal fusion surgeries and have been shown to promote bone growth in both animal models and in human clinical trials.

See also

• Growth factor
• Cytokine
• Metamorphogen
• Bone
• Cartilage
• BMP receptors
• Signal transduction
• Transforming growth factor beta
• Food and Drug Administration