Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multi-functional growth factors that belong to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily. BMPs play a key role in embryonic development, especially during heart, neural, and cartilage development. Around 20 BMP family members have been identified and characterized. BMPs signal through serine/threonine kinase receptors, composed of type I and II subtypes. Three type I receptors have been identified: type IA and IB BMP receptors and type IA activin receptors. Three type II receptors have also been recognized: type II BMP receptor and type II and IIB activin receptors. BMP-4 gene is conserved in human, chimpanzee, Rhesus monkey, dog, cow, mouse, rat, and zebrafish. BMP-2 and BMP-4 are highly similar; they have 92% amino acid sequence identity. BMP-4 is required for mesoderm formation and patterning in mice, and BMP-4 KO mice are embryonic lethal. BMP-4 has an important role in postnatal tooth cytodifferentiation. Overexpression of BMP-4 has been associated with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP).
Size
10 μg
Concentration
n/a
Applications
BA
Other Names
Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), Bone morphogenetic protein 2B (BMP-2B)