Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7)

Bone morphogenetic protein 7 is a secreted growth factor belonging to the TGF-beta superfamily. It plays a central role in embryonic development—including skeletal system patterning—and adult tissue repair by inducing mesenchymal cells to differentiate into bone-forming osteoblasts and cartilage-forming chondrocytes. In addition to its critical function during organogenesis (notably kidney development), it maintains adult renal homeostasis by inhibiting pathological EMT processes that can lead to fibrosis. Recombinant human BMP‑7 has been developed as a therapeutic agent under the name OP‑1 for use in orthopedic surgery due to its potent ability to induce new bone formation at injury sites. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties within certain tissues such as the intestine.

Other names

Osteogenic protein-1OP-1BMP-7

Recombinant human BMP‑7 acts as an agonist at its cognate receptors—type I receptor ACVR1 and type II receptor ACVR2A—initiating phosphorylation cascades that activate SMAD transcription factors. This leads to upregulation of osteogenic genes, promotion of osteoblast differentiation, inhibition of EMT in kidneys, anti-inflammatory effects in gut tissue, and stimulation of new bone formation.