It has close sequence homology to BMP7 and BMP5 and is believed to play a role in bone and cartilage development.

Many BMPs are part of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB) superfamily.

BMPs were originally identified by an ability of demineralized bone extract to induce endochondral osteogenesis in vivo in an extraskeletal site.

In addition, the fact that this BMP is closely related to BMP5 and BMP7 has led to speculation of possible bone inductive activity.

[7] This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.