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Bone morphogenetic proteins and their antagonists: current and emerging clinical uses
Author(s) -
Ali Imran H A,
Brazil Derek P
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1111/bph.12724
Subject(s) - bone morphogenetic protein , medicine , bone morphogenetic protein 7 , bioinformatics , cartilage , cancer research , biology , pathology , endocrinology , anatomy , biochemistry , gene
Bone morphogenetic proteins ( BMPs ) are members of the TGF β superfamily of secreted cysteine knot proteins that includes TGF β1, nodal, activins and inhibins. BMPs were first discovered by Urist in the 1960s when he showed that implantation of demineralized bone into intramuscular tissue of rabbits induced bone and cartilage formation. Since this seminal discovery, BMPs have also been shown to play key roles in several other biological processes, including limb, kidney, skin, hair and neuronal development, as well as maintaining vascular homeostasis. The multifunctional effects of BMPs make them attractive targets for the treatment of several pathologies, including bone disorders, kidney and lung fibrosis, and cancer. This review will summarize current knowledge on the BMP signalling pathway and critically evaluate the potential of recombinant BMP s as pharmacological agents for the treatment of bone repair and tissue fibrosis in patients.