Neuroregenerative strategies in the brain: emerging significance of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7)

Biochem Cell Biol. 2008 Oct;86(5):361-9. doi: 10.1139/o08-116.

Abstract

Every year thousands of people suffer from brain injuries and stroke, and develop motor, sensory, and cognitive problems as a result of neuronal loss in the brain. Unfortunately, the damaged brain has a limited ability to enact repair and current modes of treatment are not sufficient to offset the damage. An extensive list of growth factors, neurotrophic factors, cytokines, and drugs has been explored as potential therapies. However, only a limited number of them may actually have the potential to effectively offset the brain injury or stroke-related problems. One of the treatments considered for future brain repair is bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7), a factor currently used in patients to treat non-neurological diseases. The clinical application of BMP7 is based on its neuroprotective role in stroke animal models. This paper reviews the current approaches considered for brain repair and discusses the novel convergent strategies by which BMP7 potentially can induce neuroregeneration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 / metabolism
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 / therapeutic use*
  • Brain* / pathology
  • Brain* / physiology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Survival
  • Cell Transplantation
  • Humans
  • Nerve Regeneration / physiology*
  • Neurogenesis / physiology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / metabolism
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Stroke / drug therapy
  • Stroke / pathology
  • Tissue Engineering

Substances

  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7
  • Neuroprotective Agents