TGF-β family members are key modulators of cell proliferation, differentiation, matrix synthesis, and apoptosis. As implied by their name, BMPs initiate, promote, and regulate the development, growth and remodeling of bone and cartilage. In addition to this role, BMPs are also involved in prenatal development and postnatal growth, remodeling and maintenance of a variety of other tissues and organs. BMP-7, also known as osteogenic protein-1 or OP-1, is a potent bone inducing agent, which in the presence of appropriate osteoconductive carrier (e.g. collagen sponge or synthetic hydroxyapatite) can be used in the treatment of bone defects. A bone-graft substitute, called OP-1TM implant, made of recombinant human BMP-7 associated with bovine bone-derived collagen, has recently been approved by the FDA as a device for treating critical-size bone fractures. The potential use of BMP-7 in dental reconstructive surgeries is currently under investigation. Recombinant human BMP-7 is a 28,8 kDa homodimeric glycoprotein consisting of two 117 amino acid subunits, which correspond to amino acid residues 315 to 431 of the full-length BMP-7 precursor.
Specific activity is determined by its ability to induce alkaline phosphatase production by ATDC-5 cells. The expected ED₅₀ for this effect is 0,02 to 0,04 μg/ml.
