Botvormingsproteïnen

Botvormingsproteïnen, often referred to as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), are a group of secreted signaling proteins that play a crucial role in bone and cartilage development. They belong to the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. BMPs are involved in a wide range of biological processes, including osteogenesis (bone formation), chondrogenesis (cartilage formation), embryogenesis, and tissue repair.

These proteins function by binding to specific receptors on the surface of target cells, initiating intracellular signaling cascades. These cascades ultimately lead to changes in gene expression, promoting cell differentiation and proliferation. Different BMPs have distinct roles and tissue specificities, with BMP-2 and BMP-7 being particularly well-studied for their osteoinductive properties.

In medical applications, BMPs are utilized to stimulate bone healing. They are often incorporated into bone grafts or used as standalone therapeutic agents to accelerate the repair of fractures, spinal fusions, and other bone defects. The ability of BMPs to recruit and differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts makes them valuable tools in regenerative medicine. Research continues to explore the therapeutic potential of various BMPs for a broader spectrum of regenerative applications beyond bone and cartilage.