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Updated: Dec 13, 2025

Detection of Signaling Effector-Complexes Downstream of BMP4 Using in situ PLA, a Proximity Ligation Assay
Published on: March 3, 2011
Structural perspective of BMP ligands and signaling
Gregory R Gipson1, Erich J Goebel1, Kaitlin N Hart2
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
Abstract:
The Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) are the largest class signaling molecules within the greater Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) family, and are responsible for a wide array of biological functions, including dorsal-ventral patterning, skeletal development and maintenance, as well as cell homeostasis. As such, dysregulation of BMPs results in a number of diseases, including fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Therefore, understanding BMP signaling and regulation at the molecular level is essential for targeted therapeutic intervention. This review discusses the recent advances in the structural and biochemical characterization of BMPs, from canonical ligand-receptor interactions to co-receptors and antagonists. This work aims to highlight how BMPs differ from other members of the TGFβ family, and how that information can be used to further advance the field. Lastly, this review discusses several gaps in the current understanding of BMP structures, with the aim that discussion of these gaps will lead to advancements in the field.
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