In vivo studies have shown that BMP-2 (also designated BMP-2A) and BMP-3 can independently induce cartilage formation. Smad3 association with the TGFbeta receptor complex and Smad1 translocation to the nucleus are observed after the addition of BMP-4 (also designated BMP-2B), suggesting that BMP-4 may play a role in activation of the Smad pathway. BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 all share high sequence homology with BMP-2, indicating that they each may be able to induce cartilage formation. BMP-8 (also designated OP-2) is thought to be involved in early development, as detectable expression has not been found in adult organs.
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