Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multi-functional growth factors that belong to the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) 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. Four type I receptors have been identified: type IA and IB BMP receptors, type IA activin receptor, and activin receptor-like kinase I. Three type II receptors have also been recognized: type II BMP receptor and type II / 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 BMP-4 has been associated with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Overexpression of BMP-4 has also been associated with cancer, including melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and colorectal cancer cell lines. This overexpression can promote migratory and invasive properties of cancer cells.
Size
10 μg
Concentration
n/a
Applications
BA
Other Names
Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), Bone morphogenetic protein 2B (BMP-2B)