BMP signaling and skeletal development in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP)

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic disease caused by increased BMP pathway signaling due to mutation of ACVR1, a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type 1 receptor. The primary clinical manifestation of FOP is extra-skeletal bone formation (heterotopic ossification) within soft connective tissues. However, the underlying ACVR1 mutation additionally alters skeletal bone development and nearly all people born with FOP have bilateral malformation of the great toes as well as other skeletal malformations at diverse anatomic sites. The specific mechanisms through which ACVR1 mutations and altered BMP pathway signaling in FOP influence skeletal bone formation during development remain to be elucidated; however, recent investigations are providing a clearer understanding of the molecular and developmental processes associated with ACVR1-regulated skeletal formation.