Expression of genes for bone morphogenetic proteins BMP-2, BMP-4 and BMP-6 in various parts of the human skeleton

BACKGROUND: Differences in duration of bone healing in
various parts of the human skeleton are common experience for
orthopaedic surgeons. The reason for these differences is not obvious
and not clear.METHODS: In this paper we decided to
measure by the use of real-time RT-PCR technique the level of expression
of genes for some isoforms of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), whose
role is proven in bone formation, bone induction and bone turnover.
Seven bone samples recovered from various parts of skeletons from six
cadavers of young healthy men who died in traffic accidents were
collected. Activity of genes for BMP-2, -4 and -6 was measured by the
use of fluorescent SYBR Green I.RESULTS: It was found
that expression of m-RNA for BMP-2 and BMP-4 is higher in trabecular
bone in epiphyses of long bones, cranial flat bones and corpus
mandibulae then in the compact bone of diaphyses of long bones. In all
samples examined the expression of m-RNA for BMP-4 was higher than for
BMP-2.CONCLUSION: It was shown that m-RNA for BMP-6 is
not expressed in the collected samples at all. It is postulated that
differences in the level of activation of genes for BMPs is one of the
important factors which determine the differences in duration of bone
healing of various parts of the human skeleton.