Bone morphogenetic protein 5

Growth factor of the TGF-beta superfamily that plays essential roles in many developmental processes, including cartilage and bone formation or neurogenesis. Initiates the canonical BMP signaling cascade by associating with type I receptor BMPR1A and type II receptor BMPR2. In turn, BMPR1A propagates signal by phosphorylating SMAD1/5/8 that travel to the nucleus and act as activators and repressors of transcription of target genes. Can also signal through non-canonical pathway such as MAPK p38 signaling cascade to promote chondrogenic differentiation.