Noggin (protein)

Noggin is a polypeptide that binds to members of the TGF-&beta; superfamily of proteins. It is a Bone morphogenetic protein inhibitor. Noggin plays a key role in neurulation by inhibiting BMP4, along with other morphogens such as chordin and follistatin and inducing the formation of the neural plate. It plays a crucial role in bone development, by regulating the functions of BMP's. During the morphogenisis of organs such as the lungs, teeth and hair follicles, noggin helps to produce Lef1. Mouse knockout experiments show that noggin plays a role in neural tube fusion and joint formation.