Bone morphogenetic protein 2

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 or BMP-2 belongs to the TGF-β superfamily of is_associated_with::proteins.

Function
BMP-2 like other is_associated_with::bone morphogenetic proteins, plays an important role in the development of bone and cartilage. It is involved in the hedgehog pathway, is_associated_with::TGF beta signaling pathway, and in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. It is involved also in cardiac cell differentiation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition.

BMP-2 and BMP-7 are osteoinductive BMPs: they have been demonstrated to potently induce is_associated_with::osteoblast differentiation in a variety of cell types.

Interactions
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::BMPR1A.

Clinical use and complications
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 is shown to stimulate the production of bone. Recombinant human protein (rhBMP-2) is currently available for is_associated_with::orthopaedic usage in the is_associated_with::United States. Implantation of BMP-2 in a is_associated_with::collagen sponge induces new bone formation and can be used for the treatment of bony defects, delayed union, and non-union.

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 has also found its way into the field of Dentistry. The use of dual tapered threaded fusion cages and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 on an absorbable collagen sponge obtained and maintained intervertebral spinal fusion, improved clinical outcomes, and reduced pain after anterior lumbar interbody arthrodesis in patients with degenerative lumbar disc disease. As an adjuvant to allograft bone or as a replacement for harvested autograft, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) appear to improve fusion rates after spinal arthrodesis in both animal models and humans, while reducing the donor-site morbidity previously associated with such procedures.

A study published in 2011 noted "reports of frequent and occasionally catastrophic complications associated with use of [BMP-2] in spinal fusion surgeries", with a level of risk far in excess of estimates reported in earlier studies.