The existence of proteins with bone morphogenetic properties has been suggested for many years to explain the calcifying effect observed, with bone extracts, in ectopic tissues in vivo. Subsequently, at least thirty different proteins (identified as Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, BMPs) with this capacity have been discovered. The osteogenic activity of these substances is evident from the early phases of embryogenesis. However, besides bone, these proteins have been shown to affect other tissues too, where they affect cellular functions like proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. They act through a specific receptor system partly shared with TGF-beta; in fact, they have been shown to inhibit TGF-beta actions. BMP-7 in particular is of vital importance in embryogenesis through its actions on bone, kidney and eyes, while in adulthood it is mainly expressed in the kidney, where specific receptors have been localized. BMP-7 has been successfully employed, for therapeutic purposes, in several animal models of nephropathies, where the most striking result is the constant reduction of fibrosis. Moreover, BMP-7 has been used successfully in experimental models of renal osteodystrophy and of vascular calcification. To date the only available human data are those obtained in orthopedy where BMP-7 has been successfully employed to induce the healing of pathologic fractures. Clinical data in nephropathic patients are therefore warranted to rule out the true value of this, very interesting, new molecule.