BMPs (bone morphogenetic proteins) belong to the TGF-beta superfamily of structurally related signaling proteins. Members of this superfamily are widely represented throμghout the animal kingdom and have been implicated in a variety of developmental processes. Proteins of the TGF-beta superfamily are disulfide-linked dimmers composed of two 15 kDa polypeptide chains. As implied by their name, BMPs initiate, promote and regulate bone development, growth, remodeling and repair. BMP-6 has been indicated to induce cartilage formation.