BMP2 - bone morphogenetic protein 2

Function

Growth factor of the TGF-beta superfamily that plays essential roles in many developmental processes, including cardiogenesis, neurogenesis, and osteogenesis (PubMed:18436533, PubMed:31019025, PubMed:24362451). Induces cartilage and bone formation (PubMed:3201241). Initiates the canonical BMP signaling cascade by associating with type I receptor BMPR1A and type II receptor BMPR2 (PubMed:15064755, PubMed:17295905, PubMed:18436533). Once all three components are bound together in a complex at the cell surface, BMPR2 phosphorylates and activates BMPR1A (PubMed:7791754). In turn, BMPR1A propagates signal by phosphorylating SMAD1/5/8 that travel to the nucleus and act as activators and repressors of transcription of target genes. Can also signal through non-canonical pathways such as ERK/MAP kinase signaling cascade that regulates osteoblast differentiation (PubMed:20851880, PubMed:16771708). Stimulates also the differentiation of myoblasts into osteoblasts via the EIF2AK3-EIF2A-ATF4 pathway by stimulating EIF2A phosphorylation which leads to increased expression of ATF4 which plays a central role in osteoblast differentiation (PubMed:24362451).

Gene Regulons