New insights into bone morphogenetic protein signaling: focus on angiogenesis.
OBJECTIVE
The role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in vasculogenesis is still not well understood, despite many recent developments in this area of research. In this review, we discuss the most recent studies that identify new critical mechanisms through which BMP signaling acts with a focus on angiogenesis.


RESULTS
New evidence brought to light over the last few years suggests that BMP-binding proteins, formerly thought of as antagonists, can also increase BMP activity under certain conditions. It has also recently been determined that components of the extracellular matrix are involved in the BMP signaling pathways that regulate angiogenesis. Through the BMP pathway, myosin-X and cyclooxygenase 2 serve as target genes that have been determined to play a role in blood vessel formation. BMPs also conduct Smad-independent signaling and crosstalk with other pathways. Finally, BMPs have been shown to play an antiangiogenic role in specific settings.


CONCLUSIONS
Better understanding of the BMP signaling pathway and its regulators can have potentially great effects on therapeutic strategies from cardiovascular disease to cancer.
Carolina Cardiovascular Biology Center, USA.
Isabel
I
Moreno-Miralles
Jonathan C
JC
Schisler
Cam
C
Patterson
D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000502:physiology; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009218:Myosins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D051785:Smad Proteins / Q000502:physiology
D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; C498718:MYO10 protein, human; D051785:Smad Proteins; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D009218:Myosins