DISCOVERY AND CLINICAL-APPLICATIONS OF BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEINS

Significant progress has been made in the characterization of cartilag e and bone differentiating proteins. A family of unique proteins known as bone morphogenetic proteins has been described, and there is ample evidence that they are directly responsible for de novo cartilage and bone formation in vivo. Extensive research is underway to develop app ropriate and optimal delivery systems based on extracellular matrix co mponents. It is likely that bone morphogenetic proteins will play a cr ucial role in bone and joint regeneration and repair.