[Expression of bone morphogenetic proteins in kidneys]

Abstract

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a large group of growth factors. More than 20 members of BMP family have been identified to date. Based on their structural and functional properties, BMPs can be divided into 4 subgroups: BMP 2/4, BMP 5/6/7/8a/8b, BMP 9/10 and BMP 12/13/14. Each BMP has a unique structural feature that differentiates it from all other family members. BMPs take part in different stages of kidney development. For example, BMP-2 inhibits branching morphogenesis in ureteric buds; BMP-4 is expressed in metanephritic mesenchyme along the Wolff canal before kidney development, its expression is also found in the mesenchyme surrounding the ureteric bud before the invasion of the mesenchymal cells in the ureteric stem and induction completion; BMP-7 is the only bone morphogenetic protein that is crucial in kidney development. BMP family members are also included in maintaining normal kidney structure and function. Experimental models have shown that BMP-7 prevents ischemia/reperfusion damage. Expression of BMP-7 is reduced in the samples of kidney tissue with diabetic nephropathy. Also, BMP-7 mRNA is reduced in clear cell kidney carcinomas, indicating its protective effects in maintaining normal kidney structure and function. Bone morphogenetic proteins are some of the key players in regulating normal kidney development, but their role also extends into maintaining normal kidney structure and function.