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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:43
Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
BMP signaling in vascular development and disease
Jonathan W Lowery1, Mark P de Caestecker
1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews
|August 3, 2010
Summary
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is vital for embryonic vascular development and adult vascular health. This review clarifies controversies surrounding BMP signaling in intact vasculature.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Molecular Signaling
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways are crucial for embryonic vascular development.
- BMP signaling also influences vascular homeostasis and disease in adult organisms.
- Existing discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo studies, and varied functions across vascular beds, create controversy in the field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated overview of BMP signaling biology and genetics.
- To clarify existing controversies regarding BMP signaling in the vasculature.
- To reconcile in vitro and in vivo findings in the context of intact vasculature.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of genetic and functional studies on BMP signaling.
- Analysis of BMP pathway components in embryonic and adult vascular systems.
- Synthesis of data from diverse vascular beds to identify common and distinct roles.
Main Results:
- BMP signaling components have established roles in embryonic vascular development.
- BMP signaling impacts adult vascular homeostasis and contributes to vascular diseases.
- Distinct functional properties of BMP signaling exist across different vascular beds, leading to complex interpretations.
Conclusions:
- Reconciling in vitro and in vivo data is essential for understanding BMP signaling in vasculature.
- A comprehensive overview of BMP biology and genetics is needed to address current controversies.
- Further research clarifying BMP signaling in intact vasculature will advance the field.
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