Research into the molecular initiators of bone development and repair has culminated in the identification of an entirely new family of proteins that regulate bone and cartilage formation in vivo. These proteins are known as bone morphogenetic proteins or BMPs and are capable of inducing bone formation when implanted into ectopic sites. The purification and characterization of BMPs, until recently an elusive goal, have laid the foundation for the cellular and molecular dissection of bone development and regeneration. BMPs, critical in the normal development of animals, may play multiple roles, not exclusively pertinent to bone tissue. This review aims to present a concise perspective of BMPs, and their potential role and application for regenerative procedures.
Bone regeneration; Dentin; Dental pulp; Bone morphogenetic proteins