Members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b) superfamily of proteins that have been shown to play important roles during embryological growth and development of many different organ systems (particularly the patterning of ventral mesoderm), as well as in tissue repair in postnatal life. Since 1988, more than 16 different human BMPs have been identified. Recent studies have suggested that only some of these BMPs are osteoinductive (i.e., capable of inducing bone formation), with the most osteoinductive members of the family being BMP-2, BMP-6, and BMP-9.
See Blastopore, Chondrification, Chordin, Induction (embryology), Mesoderm, Neurulation, Noggin, Notch, Ossification, Proteins