The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a family of pleiotropic morphoge
ns isolated and cloned from the demineralized extracellular matrix of bone.
BMPs and related cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins (CDMPs) initiate
, promote and maintain bone and cartilage. The pleiotropic effects of BMPs
are based on concentration-dependent thresholds. Targeted disruption of gen
e action by homologous recombination has demonstrated the role of BMP 7 in
kidney, eye and skeletal development. BMP 7 is critical for kidney tubuloge
nesis, retinal pigmented epithelium differentiation and skeletal pattern. B
MP 7 is also synthesized by the kidney and is detectable in serum; hence BM
P 7 is both an autocrine and endocrine morphogen. It is likely renal BMP 7
may influence skeletal development and growth in children although there ma
y be sources of other BMPs with skeletogenic actions. In conclusion, we are
beginning to unravel the mysteries of kidney-bone connection with special
reference to pediatric nephrology.