BMP-4 ELISA Kit, Human

BACKGROUND Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4) is a polypeptide belonging to the TGF-bTGF superfamily of proteins. Like other bone morphogenetic proteins, BMP-4 is involved in bone and cartilage development, specifically tooth and limb development and fracture repair. It has been shown to be involved in muscle development, bone mineralization, and uteric bud development.¹ In human embryonic development, BMP-4 is a critical signaling molecule required for the early differentiation of the embryo and establishment of a dorsal-ventral axis. BMP-4 is secreted from the dorsal portion of the notochord, and it acts in concert with sonic hedgehog (released from the ventral portion of the notochord) to establish a dorsal-ventral axis for the differentiation of later structures.² BMP-4 stimulates differentiation of overlying ectodermal tissue.³ Inhibition of the BMP-4 signal (by chordin, noggin, or follistatin) causes the ectoderm to differentiate into the neural plate. If these cells also receive signals from FGF, they will differentiate into the spinal cord; in the absence of FGF the cells become brain tissue. 

 

REFERENCES  

1. Chen, D. et al., Growth Factors 22:233, 2004.
2. Aberdam, D. et al., Bull. Acad. Natl. Med. 189:645, 2005.
3. Czyz, J. & Wobus, A., Differentiation 68:167, 2001.

 

 

ELISA Kits are based on standard sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technology. Freshly prepared standards, samples, and solutions are recommended for best results.