What Are the Clinical Implications of BMP Signaling?
Dysregulation of BMP signaling can lead to various clinical conditions:
- Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP): A rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the BMP type I receptor ACVR1, leading to inappropriate bone formation in soft tissues. - Cancer: Alterations in BMP signaling have been implicated in cancer, where it can have context-dependent roles either promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. - Bone Disorders: Given their role in bone formation, BMPs are used therapeutically in bone repair and regeneration, such as in spinal fusions and fracture healing.
