BMP-10

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) constitute a subfamily within the TGF-β superfamily of structurally related signaling proteins. Members of this superfamily are widely distributed throughout the body and are involved in diverse physiological processes during both pre- and postnatal life. BMP-10 plays a crucial role in the development of the embryonic heart by acting to stimulate and maintain cardiomyocyte proliferation.It can signal through various receptor complexes usually containing BMPR-1A, BMPR-1B, ALK1, ALK3, or ALK6. The interaction of BMP-10 with its specific receptors can induce signaling initiated by the phosphorylation of SMAD transcription factors, including SMAD1, SMAD5, or SMAD8, but can also induce SMAD independent processes. BMP-10 is structurally related to BMP-9, and both can inhibit endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Recombinant human BMP-10 is a 24.4 kDa homodimeric disulfide-linked protein consisting of two 108 amino acid subunits, which correspond to amino acid residues 317 to 424 of the full-length BMP-10 precursor.