A MOLECULAR APPROACH TO BONE REGENERATION

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are becoming increasingly recognise d as valuable molecular tools for regenerating bone and accelerating f racture healing. New bone growth is the result of BMP-induced differen tiation of pluripotent mesenchymal cells along osteoblastic path pathw ays. This phenomenon recapitulates in adults specific aspects of skele tal morphogenesis co-ordinated by BMPs during development. An understa nding of the basic scientific research which has led to the characteri sation and purification of these remarkable molecules is essential if their full therapeutic potential is to be realised.