Osteogenic protein-1: biology and applications.

Osteogenic proteins, also referred to as BMPs, are a family of bone matrix polypeptides isolated from a variety of mammalian species. These proteins are members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily of molecules that contain a highly conserved 7 cysteine transforming growth factor-beta domain in their C-termini. Use of recombinantly produced human osteogenic protein-1, also referred to as BMP-7, implanted in conjunction with bovine bone derived Type 1 collagen or various non-proteinaceous biodegradable carriers into surgically created large diaphyseal segmental defects in animals leads to the regeneration of new bone that is fully functional biologically and biomechanically. Further study has shown that osteogenic protein-1 can be used as a bone graft substitute to promote spinal fusion and to aid in the incorporation of metal implants. Finally, osteogenic protein-1 shows promise as an agent for repair of osteochondral defects.