BMP13 Human

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-13 (BMP-13), also known as Growth Differentiation Factor 6 (GDF6), is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein family, which is part of the larger transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily . BMP-13 plays a crucial role in tissue development, regeneration, and repair, particularly in the skeletal, nervous, and muscular systems .

BMPs were initially identified as proteins capable of inducing ectopic bone formation when implanted into the muscle of adult rats . BMP-13, specifically, has been studied for its role in cartilage and bone repair . It is involved in regulating apoptosis during retinal development and controls proliferation and cellular differentiation in the retina and bone formation .

BMP-13 exerts its biological activity through combinations of type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors . The precursor proteins are synthesized and then proteolytically cleaved within the cell to yield the active, carboxy-terminal mature protein dimer . These dimers bind to receptors on the surface of mesenchymal stem cells, initiating a cascade of events that lead to their differentiation into bone- and cartilage-forming cells .

Altered BMP signaling pathways are associated with several human diseases, including arthritis, osteoporosis, kidney diseases, cancer, and pulmonary hypertension . Recombinant BMP-13 has been explored for its potential therapeutic applications in bone and cartilage repair . However, it is also important to note that BMP-13 has been reported to have protumorigenic effects in certain contexts .