This gene encodes a secreted ligand of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily of proteins. Ligands of this family bind various TGF-beta receptors leading to recruitment and activation of SMAD family transcription factors that regulate gene expression. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate each subunit of the disulfide-linked homodimer, which plays a role in bone, kidney and brown adipose tissue development. Additionally, this protein induces ectopic bone formation and may promote fracture healing in human patients.,BMP7,OP-1,Cancer,Signal Transduction,Cell Biology & Developmental Biology,Cell Cycle,Cell differentiation,Cytoskeleton,Extracellular Matrix,Bone,Growth factor,TGF-b-Smad Signaling Pathway,Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway,ESC Pluripotency and Differentiation,Endocrine & Metabolism,Lipid Metabolism,Immunology & Inflammation,Cytokines,NF-kB Signaling Pathway,Stem Cells,Ligand,BMP7