Bone morphogenetic protein 7 receptor (BMP7R)

Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) receptors are transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptors that mediate the pleiotropic effects of BMP7, also known as Osteogenic Protein-1 (OP-1). These receptors function as heteromeric complexes comprising Type I receptors (primarily ACVR1/ALK2 and BMPR1A/ALK3) and Type II receptors (ACVR2A, ACVR2B, and BMPR2) [PMID: 2825641, 15621726]. Upon ligand binding, the Type II receptor phosphorylates the Type I receptor, initiating intracellular signaling through the canonical Smad1/5/8 pathway and non-canonical pathways like MAPK [PMID: 12651866]. BMP7 signaling is essential for embryonic development, particularly in the kidney and skeleton, and plays a vital role in maintaining adult tissue homeostasis [PMID: 15123011]. In clinical contexts, BMP7 receptors are targeted to promote bone healing and are being investigated for their potent anti-fibrotic and pro-regenerative effects in chronic kidney disease [PMID: 12844142]. Therapeutic agents like Eptotermin alfa act as agonists to these receptors, though challenges such as short half-life and potential ectopic bone formation remain [PMID: 16439511].

Other names

BMP-7 receptorOsteogenic protein 1 receptorOP-1 receptorBMPR7

Agonism of the BMP signaling pathway via activation of Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation