Table 2

BMP signaling in synovitis

Ex vivo human biopsies

Increased expression of BMP2 and BMP6 [9]


Decreased expression of BMP4 and BMP5 [41]

Presence of BMP receptor Ia positive cells in RA [38]

Animal model data

Influx of BMP receptor Ia positive cells precedes onset of arthritis [39]


BMP, bone morphogenetic protein; RA, rheumatoid arthritis.

Lories and Luyten Arthritis Research & Therapy 2007 9:207   doi:10.1186/ar2135