Bone morphogenetic protein 9 and Bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP9 and BMP10)

**Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9)** and **bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10)** are secreted cytokines belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily, primarily known for their roles in regulating development, tissue homeostasis, and organogenesis. BMP9 is the most potent osteogenic growth factor among BMPs, inducing robust bone formation by activating the SMAD signaling pathway through binding to type I (ALK1/ACVRL1) and type II BMP receptors. Both BMP9 and BMP10 have key vascular functions—BMP9, in particular, is a critical ligand for endothelial ALK1 and BMPR-II, regulating angiogenesis, vascular quiescence, and pulmonary vascular homeostasis, and genetic or functional disruption is associated with diseases like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). BMP9 also shows unique resistance to inhibition by BMP antagonists like noggin and BMP3, which accounts for its exceptional osteogenic efficacy. BMP9 has demonstrated both pro- and anti-cancer effects depending on tissue and context, and circulating BMP9 is a vascular biomarker in certain disease states. Therapies targeting this pathway (such as sotatercept) are in development for vascular diseases.

Other names

BMP-9BMP-10growth and differentiation factor 2 (GDF2, for BMP9)growth and differentiation factor 10 (GDF10, for BMP10)BMPs (as a family)bone morphogenetic proteins

Ligand for activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) and BMPR-II receptors, activating SMAD1/5/8 signaling. Regulation of signaling crosstalk with the VEGF/VEGFR pathways in the endothelium. Inhibition or activation of downstream gene expression involved in proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation.