recombinant BMP9

Recombinant BMP9 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein 9), also known as Growth Differentiation Factor 2 (GDF2), is a member of the TGF-β superfamily that acts as a high-affinity ligand for the ALK1 (ACVRL1) and BMPR2 receptor complex. It is primarily expressed in the liver and circulates in the blood, playing a critical role in maintaining vascular endothelial homeostasis and preventing apoptosis. In the context of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), BMP9 signaling is often impaired due to genetic mutations in the GDF2 gene or reduced protein levels. While early preclinical studies suggested that replacement therapy with recombinant BMP9 could reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling, recent research (e.g., AHA 2023) has highlighted complexities regarding its disulfide-linked structure, suggesting that fully disulfide-linked recombinant BMP9 may actually promote the expression of pro-remodeling factors like endothelin-1 and VEGF-A. A specific engineered variant, MGX292, was developed by Morphogen-IX (acquired by Centessa Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of PAH but was discontinued in 2022.

Other names

bone morphogenetic protein 9BMP-9BMP9BMP 9growth differentiation factor 2GDF-2GDF2GDF 2