The “bone morphogenic proteins” pathways in bone and joint diseases: Translational perspectives from physiopathology to therapeutic targets

A large body of evidence supports an important role of bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) pathways in skeletal development in the embryo. BMPs are also involved in skeletal homeostasis and diseases in the adult. They were first identified as major bone anabolic agents and recent advances indicate that they also regulate osteoclastogenesis and joint components via multiple cross-talks with other signaling pathways. This review attempts to integrate these data in the pathogenesis of bone and joints diseases, such as osteoporosis, fracture healing, osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or bone metastasis. The use of recombinant BMPs in bone tissue engineering and in the treatment of skeletal diseases, or future therapeutic strategies targeting BMPs signal and its regulators, will be discussed based on these considerations.