The structure of the human bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) gene has been characterized from a genomic cosmid clone of about 38 kb. The transcriptional unit of the human BMP-4 gene is encoded by 5 exons and spans approximately 7 kb. The exon-intron organization of the human BMP-4 gene is similar to that of the mouse gene, with notable sequence differences in the 5' non-coding exons. The hum...

BACKGROUND Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is defined by two out of the following three criteria being met: oligo- or anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Affected women are often obese and insulin resistant. Although the etiology is still unknown, members of the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) family, including Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) and anti-Müllerian hormon...

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) orchestrate key cellular events, such as proliferation and differentiation, in development and homeostasis. Extracellular antagonists, such as chordin, are essential regulators of BMP signaling. Chordin binds to BMPs blocking interaction with receptors, and cleavage by tolloid proteinases is thought to relieve this inhibition. A model has been previously propo...

Complications associated with the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein in the lumbar spine include retrograde ejaculation, ectopic bone formation, vertebral osteolysis and subsidence, postoperative radiculitis, and hematoma and seroma. These complications are controversial and remain widely debated. This article discusses the reported complications and possible implications for t...

Bone morphogenic proteins (BMP) are members of the family of transforming growth factors. Fifteen different BMP have been identified, all with varying degrees of cellular activity, including cartilageor bone-inductive properties. Two recombinant proteins are available: recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 and rhBMP-7. These products have been investigated as alternatives to au...