BMP2 encodes a secreted ligand of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamilyof proteins. Ligands of this family bind various TGF-beta receptors leading to recruitment andactivation of SMAD family transcription factors that regulate gene expression. The encodedpreproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate each subunit of the disulfide-linkedhomodimer, which plays a role in bone and cartilage development. Duplication of a regulatoryregion downstream of this gene causes a form of brachydactyly characterized by a malformedindex finger and second toe in human patients.

BMP2; BMP2A; Bone morphogenetic protein 2; BMP-2; Bonemorphogenetic protein 2A; BMP-2A