Bone morphogenetic proteins: Revivifying periodontium

Abstract

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), a family of signaling molecules, are considered to be a central factor present in the bone matrix. Originally discovered by Urist, they have been shown to affect a wide variety of cell types and processes beyond bone and osteogenesis. They are important morphogens in embryogenesis and development and also regulate the maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. The loss of alveolar bone is a common consequence of periodontal disease. The regeneration of periodontal structures requires an environment consisting of cells, scaffold, and signaling molecules. The emergence of tissue engineering has enabled the mass production of BMPs, to be utilized refining the biomimetic scaffolds, thus facilitating an alternative to treatment approach in bone regeneration lost due to the disease process. This review discusses the critical data on the discovery of BMPs, its structure, mechanisms of action, and potential therapeutic application in periodontal regeneration.