From the basic science to potential and approved clinical applications the most recent data in the rapidly growing field of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are summarized in this topical volume. Distinguished scientists present reviews on a range of scientific topics, including biochemistry, biology, molecular biology and preclinical animal studies on spinal fusion, cartilage repair, craniofacial and dental reconstruction using BMPs, as well as approved clinical applications in human bone non-unions.

This book provides a resource not only for experts in the field, but also for undergraduate students, newcomers and clinicians worldwide, given that the use of BMPs in orthopedic reconstruction has been already approved in Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA.

Inhalt
Biochemistry of bone morphogenetic proteins.- Prostate-derived factor and growth and differentiation factor-8:newly discovered members of the TGF-? superfamily.- Bone morphogenetic protein receptors and their nuclear effectorsin bone formation.- Deciphering the binding code of BMP-receptor interaction.- Biology of bone morphogenetic proteins.- Preclinical models of recombinant BMP induced healingof orthopedic defects.- Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1, BMP-7) for stimulation of healingof closed fractures: evidence based medicine and pre-clinical experience.- Maxillofacial reconstruction.- Bone morphogenetic proteins in periodontal regeneration.- Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) in the repair of bone defects and fracturesof long bones: clinical experience.- Evaluation of OP-1 in a rabbit model of lumbar fusions.- Bone morphogenetic proteins and the synovial joints.- BMPs in articular cartilage repair.- The role of bone morphogenetic proteins in kidney development and repair.- Effects of bone morphogenetic proteins on neural tissues.