Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional regulators of vertebrate development. First identified in the 1980s, BMPs were named after their ability to induce cartilage and bone formation from bone extracts. However, their roles extend beyond bone development, influencing cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and morphogenesis in various tissues and organs. BMPs are part of the TGFβ superfamily and are involved in the development of nearly all organs, including the nervous system, somites, lung, kidney, skin, and gonads. Recent studies in mice have revealed the complex roles of BMPs in embryonic development, particularly in mesoderm formation, patterning, and organogenesis. BMPs are synthesized as large precursors, which are processed into mature dimers. Their structure includes seven conserved cysteines, and their function is regulated by interactions with transmembrane serine-threonine kinases. BMP processing and secretion involve proteolytic cleavage, and their extracellular localization is influenced by binding proteins such as Follistatin and extracellular matrix proteins. BMPs can act as homodimers or heterodimers, with heterodimers often showing enhanced activity compared to homodimers. In vertebrates, BMPs play critical roles in gastrulation, mesoderm formation, and organogenesis. For example, BMP4 is a key ventralizing factor in the Xenopus embryo, while BMP7 is involved in kidney development. BMPs also regulate neural patterning, influencing the formation of the neural tube, regionalization of the brain, and apoptosis in the nervous system. In the limb, BMPs are involved in patterning, with BMP7 affecting digit number and polydactyly. BMPs are also crucial in skeletal development, influencing chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. In the kidney, BMP7 is essential for nephrogenesis and ureter development. BMPs are involved in the development of various organs, including the lung, heart, and skin, through interactions between mesenchymal and epithelial cells. Overall, BMPs are essential for the development and patterning of vertebrate embryos, with their functions regulated by complex interactions with other signaling molecules such as Wnts, FGFs, and Hh. Despite significant progress, many aspects of BMP function remain unclear, highlighting the need for further research to fully understand their roles in development.Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional regulators of vertebrate development. First identified in the 1980s, BMPs were named after their ability to induce cartilage and bone formation from bone extracts. However, their roles extend beyond bone development, influencing cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and morphogenesis in various tissues and organs. BMPs are part of the TGFβ superfamily and are involved in the development of nearly all organs, including the nervous system, somites, lung, kidney, skin, and gonads. Recent studies in mice have revealed the complex roles of BMPs in embryonic development, particularly in mesoderm formation, patterning, and organogenesis. BMPs are synthesized as large precursors, which are processed into mature dimers. Their structure includes seven conserved cysteines, and their function is regulated by interactions with transmembrane serine-threonine kinases. BMP processing and secretion involve proteolytic cleavage, and their extracellular localization is influenced by binding proteins such as Follistatin and extracellular matrix proteins. BMPs can act as homodimers or heterodimers, with heterodimers often showing enhanced activity compared to homodimers. In vertebrates, BMPs play critical roles in gastrulation, mesoderm formation, and organogenesis. For example, BMP4 is a key ventralizing factor in the Xenopus embryo, while BMP7 is involved in kidney development. BMPs also regulate neural patterning, influencing the formation of the neural tube, regionalization of the brain, and apoptosis in the nervous system. In the limb, BMPs are involved in patterning, with BMP7 affecting digit number and polydactyly. BMPs are also crucial in skeletal development, influencing chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. In the kidney, BMP7 is essential for nephrogenesis and ureter development. BMPs are involved in the development of various organs, including the lung, heart, and skin, through interactions between mesenchymal and epithelial cells. Overall, BMPs are essential for the development and patterning of vertebrate embryos, with their functions regulated by complex interactions with other signaling molecules such as Wnts, FGFs, and Hh. Despite significant progress, many aspects of BMP function remain unclear, highlighting the need for further research to fully understand their roles in development.