Function
Growth factor of the TGF-beta superfamily that plays essential roles in many developmental processes, including cardiogenesis, neurogenesis, and osteogenesis. Induces cartilage and bone formation. Initiates the canonical BMP signaling cascade by associating with type I receptor BMPR1A and type II receptor BMPR2. Once all three components are bound together in a complex at the cell surface, BMPR2 phosphorylates and activates BMPR1A. In turn, BMPR1A propagates signal by phosphorylating SMAD1/5/8 that travel to the nucleus and act as activators and repressors of transcription of target genes. Can also signal through non-canonical pathways such as ERK/MAP kinase signaling cascade that regulates osteoblast differentiation. Stimulates also the differentiation of myoblasts into osteoblasts via the EIF2AK3-EIF2A-ATF4 pathway by stimulating EIF2A phosphorylation which leads to increased expression of ATF4 which plays a central role in osteoblast differentiation.
Tissue Specificity
Particularly abundant in lung, spleen and colon and in low but significant levels in heart, brain, placenta, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney, pancreas, prostate, ovary and small intestine.