The basic science of bone induction.

The last few decades of basic science research have provided an increased understanding of the role of osteogenic glycoproteins in bone formation. The isolation of such molecules now permits de novo orthotopic induction with increasing evidence of the ability to also induce bone growth in heterotopic sites. The current editorial focuses on the basic science of bone induction with two subsequent issues dedicated to the translation of these principles into both animal subjects and human clinical applications.