Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) at the forefront of ocular diseases and therapeutics

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), belonging to the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, are multifunctional growth factors predominantly distributed in human bone tissue. Some studies also have revealed that BMPs are widely expressed in ocular tissues. Over the past two decades, research on the therapeutic application of BMPs has yielded significant advancements not only in the treatment of skeletal, cardiac, renal and neurological diseases but also in ocular conditions. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated the significant therapeutic efficacy of BMPs in various ocular disorders, including myopia, corneal opacity, cataract, uveal melanoma, retinal detachment and other eye diseases. Studies have further identified that BMPs exert their actions through mechanisms closely associated with the canonical Smad pathway. Compared to traditional therapeutic drugs, BMPs exhibit some advantages, including low toxicity, minimal side effects, amongst others. However, numerous unresolved issues persist during in vivo and in vitro experiments. The objective of this review is to explore the advancements in the application of BMPs for the treatment of ocular diseases in animal models or in vitro experiments, and to provide some insights into the challenges that need to be addressed for the translation of BMP-based therapies into clinical practice.