A molecular approach to bone regeneration

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are becoming increasingly recognised as valuable molecular tools for regenerating bone and accelerating fracture healing. New bone growth is the result of BMP-induced differentiation of pluripotent mesenchymal cells along osteoblastic pathways. This phenomenon recapitulates in adults specific aspects of skeletal morphogenesis co-ordinated by BMPs during development. An understanding of the basic scientific research which has led to the characterisation and purification of these remarkable molecules is essential if their full therapeutic potential is to be realised.