BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEIN-4

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) is one of nine structurally relat ed BMPs belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) su perfamily of secreted proteins. Mature BMP-4 is a dimer that binds to a multimeric transmembrane receptor with serine/threonine kinase activ ity. Although discovered because it stimulates bone formation in adult mammals, BMP-4 has important roles as a signalling molecule in embryo nic tissues, including the developing central and peripheral nervous s ystem, musculature and skeleton. It participates in an ancient signall ing pathway also found in insects and worms. Nevertheless, the main pr actical application of BMPs is for stimulating repair of bone, and the ir use in humans is currently being assessed. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsev ier Science Ltd