Bone morphogenetic protein 2

Overview
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 or BMP-2 is a protein that belongs to the TGF-β superfamily of proteins. It, like other bone morphogenetic proteins, plays an important role in the development of bone and cartilage. It is involved in the Hedgehog pathway, TGF-beta signaling pathway, and the Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. It is involved also in cardiac cell differentiation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition.

BMP-2 and BMP-7 are osteogenic BMPs: they have been demonstrated to potently induce osteoblast differentiation in a variety of cell types.

Medical Uses
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 has been shown to stimulate the production of bone and recombinant human protein (rhBMP-2) and is currently available for orthopaedic usage in the United States. Implantation of BMP-2 in a collagen sponge induces new bone formation and can be used for the treatment of bony defects, delayed union, and non-union.