Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) belongs to transforming growth factor-β superfamily. To date, more than 20 BMPs have been identified in humans. BMPs play a critical role in embryonic and postnatal development, and also in maintaining homeostasis in different organs and tissues by regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, survival and motility.
They play important roles in the development and progression of certain malignancies, including prostate cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer etc. Recently, more evidence shows that BMPs are also involved in tumour associated angiogenesis. For example BMP can either directly regulate the functions of vascular endothelial cells, or indirectly influence the angiogenesis via a regulation of angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Such crosstalk can also be reflected in the interaction with other angiogenic factors, like hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). All these factors are involved in the orchestration of the angiogenic process during tumour development and progression. Review of the relevant studies will provide a comprehensive prospective on current understanding and shed light on the corresponding therapeutic opportunity.
Cancer letters. 2015 Nov 27 [Epub ahead of print]
Lin Ye, Wen G Jiang
Metastasis & Angiogenesis Research Group, Cardiff University-Peking University Cancer Institute, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK. Metastasis & Angiogenesis Research Group, Cardiff University-Peking University Cancer Institute, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK.