General Description
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family and the TGF-beta superfamily. This group of proteins is characterized by a polybasic proteolytic processing site which is cleaved to produce a mature protein containing seven conserved cysteine residues. The members of this family are regulators of cell growth and differentiation in both embryonic and adult tissues. Studies in mice and Xenopus suggest that this protein is involved in mesodermal formation and neurogenesis during embryonic development. (provided by RefSeq)
Biochem/physiol Actions
As implied by their name, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) promote and regulate bone development, growth, remodeling and repair, in both prenatal development and postnatal growth of eye, heart, kidney, skin, and other tissues. They also enhance protein degradation and reduce skeletal muscle protein synthesis. BMP-11 may have a role in the development of the nervous system in mice. It acts as a modulator of development and differentiation. In mice, circulating levels of BMP-11 decrease with age.
