Definition of Bone morphogenic protein 2

Bone morphogenetic protein 2: A protein that induces the formation of bone and cartilage. Bone morphogenic protein 2 (which is symbolized BMP2) belongs to a superfamily called transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). The gene for BMP2 is on chromosome 20 in band 20p12.3. Three sets of variations within the BMP2 gene reportedly triple the risk of developing osteoporosis.

See also: Bone morphogenetic protein; Osteoporosis.