Noggin belongs to a group of diffusible proteins which bind to ligands of the TGF-beta family and regulate their activity by inhibiting their access to signaling receptors. Noggin was originally identified as a BMP-4 antagonist whose action is critical for proper formation of the head and other dorsal structures. Consequently, Noggin has been shown to modulate the activities of other BMPs including BMP-2,-7,-13, and -14. Targeted deletion of Noggin in mice results in prenatal death and recessive phenotype displaying a severely malformed skeletal system. Conversely, transgenic mice over-expressing Noggin in mature osteoblasts display impaired osteoblastic differentiation, reduced bone formation, and severe osteoporosis.
