Bmp4

: It can also directly activate pathways like ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK to regulate migration and survival.

: It drives the formation of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and limbs. In the heart, it is essential for atrio-ventricular septation . : It can also directly activate pathways like

: It initiates bone and cartilage development and is particularly critical for patterning teeth. Mutations in BMP4 are linked to tooth agenesis (missing teeth). : It initiates bone and cartilage development and

BMP4 is essential from the earliest stages of life, where its loss often leads to embryonic lethality. : Binding to Type I (ALK3/ALK6) and Type

: Binding to Type I (ALK3/ALK6) and Type II (BMPR2) receptors triggers the phosphorylation of R-Smads (Smad1/5/8) , which complex with Smad4 and move into the nucleus to regulate gene expression.

: Factors like Noggin, Chordin, and Gremlin act as "ligand traps," preventing BMP4 from binding to its receptors. This balance is vital for correct organ patterning. Key Functions in Development

BMP4 is synthesized as a 408-residue preproprotein that undergoes specific proteolytic cleavage to become a mature 116-residue active peptide.