Bone morphogenetic protein signaling in musculoskeletal cancer.

Purpose Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) belong to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily of proteins; they were initially named after their ability to induce ectopic bone formation. Published studies have proved BMPs’ role in a variety of biological processes such as embryogenesis and patterning of body axes, and maintaining adult tissue homeostasis. Other studies have focused on BMPs properties, functions and possible involvement in skeletal diseases, including cancer.