OSTEOGENIC PROTEIN-1 - BIOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS

Osteogenic proteins, also referred to as BMPs, are a family of bone ma trix polypeptides isolated from a variety of mammalian species, These proteins are members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamil y of molecules that contain a highly conserved 7 cysteine transforming growth factor-beta domain in their C-termini, Use of recombinantly pr oduced human osteogenic protein-1, also referred to as BMP-7, implante d in conjunction with bovine bone derived Type 1 collagen or various n onproteinaceous biodegradable carriers into surgically created large d iaphyseal segmental defects in animals leads to the regeneration of ne w bone that is fully functional biologically and biomechanically, Furt her study has shown that osteogenic protein-1 can be used as a bone gr aft substitute to promote spinal fusion and to aid in the incorporatio n of metal implants, Finally, osteogenic protein-1 shows promise as an agent for repair of osteochondral defects.