BMP signaling in vascular biology and dysfunction

• BMP signaling is a core signaling cascade in endothelium during vascular development and homeostasis.
• Unbalanced BMP signaling is causative for several vascular dysfunctions.
• BMP signaling is highly context-dependent in the vasculature.
• Signaling interplay between BMPs and Notch, WNT, and Hippo signaling cascades co-regulates endothelial cell biology.
• BMP signaling is implicated in interpretation of mechanosensitive responses derived from blood flow.
• BMP and anti-BMP treatments are progressively been considered for the treatment of vascular disorders.

The vascular system is critical for developmental growth, tissue homeostasis and repair but also for tumor development. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has recently emerged as a fundamental pathway of the endothelium by regulating cardiovascular and lymphatic development and by being causative for several vascular dysfunctions. Two vascular disorders have been directly linked to impaired BMP signaling: pulmonary arterial hypertension and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Endothelial BMP signaling critically depends on the cellular context, which includes among others vascular heterogeneity, exposure to flow, and the intertwining with other signaling cascades (Notch, WNT, Hippo and hypoxia). The purpose of this review is to highlight the most recent findings illustrating the clear need for reconsidering the role of BMPs in vascular biology.

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