Kielin/chordin-like protein enhances induction of osteoblast differentiation by Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play a key role in embryonic differentiation for osteoblast and bone formation. Kielin/chordin-like protein (Kcp) is known to enhance the effects of BMP signaling. Here, we present ALP activity, gene expression, and calcification data demonstrating that Kcp affects the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into osteoblasts. We report that the presence of Kcp enhances the ability of BMP-2 to induce the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into osteoblasts. Additionally, BMP-2-mediated stimulation of phosphorylated Smad1/5 was apparently enhanced in the presence of Kcp. The present findings may contribute to progression toward the clinical use of BMPs for treatment of bone fracture, osteoarthritis, and other similar conditions.