Bone Morphogenetic Protein

Bone Morphogenetic Protein (Pronunciation: Bone Mor-fo-gen-etic Pro-tein) is a group of growth factors also known as cytokines and as metabologens. 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.

Etymology

The term "Bone Morphogenetic Protein" (BMP) was coined in 1965 by Marshall R. Urist, after he observed that demineralized, lyophilized segments of bone induced new bone formation when implanted in muscle pouches in rabbits.

Function

The Bone Morphogenetic Proteins are part of the Transforming Growth Factor Beta superfamily, which is a large group of proteins responsible for the regulation of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, chemotaxis, and apoptosis. BMPs interact with specific receptors on the cell surface, referred to as Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors.

Related Terms

• Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors
• Transforming Growth Factor Beta
• Cytokines
• Metabologens
• Apoptosis
• Chemotaxis

See Also

• Growth Factors
• Cellular Processes
• Protein Receptors

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