recombinant human BMP-2

Description

Human bone morphogenetic protein*2 (BMP*2) is involved in the development of many organs and tissues as well as in the estab-lishment of the basic embryonic body plan. This implies its potential use in the regeneration of many types of tissues following injuries and dis-eases. It has the unique capacity of inducing bone regeneration and ectopic bone formation in adult vertebrates. In fact, clinical trials performed recently have shown that, when delivered properly, recombinant BMP*2 is effective and safe alterna-tives to autologous bone grafting. Further therapeutic applications, including its application for osteointegration of metallic implants, tendon and ligaments reunion with bones, cartilage repair and even in non-skeletal diseases, are foreseen. &#****8;&#****8;Biologically active BMP*2 is a homodimer, linked by a single disulfide bond. The monomers have three intrachain disulfide bridges, forming a so-called cystine knot. In vivo, the monomer is synthesized as a large precursor, which after dimerization, is prote-olytically cleaved releasing the smaller C-terminal fragment forming the mature dimer &#****8;&#****8;Our product produced in genetically engineered Eschericha coli is a non-active aggregated form. After refolding and purification, the recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein*2 is active and with high homogeneity.