Bmp3 - bone morphogenetic protein 3 Gene

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. This protein suppresses osteoblast differentiation, and negatively regulates bone density, by modulating TGF-beta Receptor availability to Other ligands. Homozygous knockout mice for this gene exhibit increased bone density and volume, while overexpression of this gene in a transgenic mouse causes bone defects resulting in spontaneous rib fractures. This gene encodes distinct protein isoforms that may be similarly proteolytically processed. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2016]