Bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2, BMP 2A) belongs to the transforming growth factor beta(TGF-beta) superfamily. It is thought to be involved in cartilage and bone formation during embryogenesis, but may have additional functions in morphogenesis as implied by its expression in various organs and embryonic tissues of mice. BMP-2 has been identified as a candidate mediator of retinoid activity. BMP-2 protein induces medulloblastoma cell apoptosis, whereas the BMP-2 antagonist noggin blocks both retinoid and BMP-2-induced apoptosis. BMP-2 also induces p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), which is necessary for BMP-2 and retinoid-induced apoptosis. Bone morphogenic proteins(BMPs) are known to promote osteogenesis, and clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the ability of certain BMPs to promote fracture-healing and spinal fusion. The standard product used in this kit is recombinant mouse BMP-2, constituting dimer by two chains of 114 amino acids with the molecular mass of 26KDa.
