Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5338, USA.
Neurosurgery. 2010 Feb;66(2):233-46; discussion 246. doi: 10.1227/01.NEU.0000363722.42097.C2.
In addition to their well-known osteogenic properties, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have developmental and regenerative roles that may impact tumorigenesis and promote tumor spread. Given that the most common site of tumor metastases to bone is the spine, determining whether BMPs can be linked to cancer is of particular relevance to surgeons treating primary or metastatic spinal disease. This article reviews the basic scientific and clinical background of BMPs and their potential role in promoting cancer.
A literature review to identify studies relating to BMP and tumorigenesis was conducted. Databases evaluated included MEDLINE and EMBASE as well as the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register through 2008.
Bone morphogenetic proteins are a diverse class of molecules belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily that serve a variety of biologic functions. Bone morphogenetic proteins have critical roles in stem and progenitor cell biology as regulators of cellular expansion and differentiation. Transforming growth factor-beta and related cell signaling pathways as well as stem and progenitor cell signaling have been linked to cancer. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies suggest a significant role of BMPs in promoting tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, there are also comparable studies that imply that BMPs may have a negative effect on cancer.
There is no definitive association between BMPs and the promotion of tumorigenesis or metastasis. However, given the relatively large number of studies reporting a positive effect of BMPs on tumorigenesis or metastasis, the use of BMPs in patients with primary or metastatic spinal tumors should be carefully considered.
骨形成蛋白（BMPs）除了具有众所周知的成骨特性外，还具有发育和再生作用，这可能会影响肿瘤发生并促进肿瘤扩散。鉴于肿瘤转移至骨骼的最常见部位是脊柱，因此确定 BMP 是否与癌症有关对于治疗原发性或转移性脊柱疾病的外科医生来说尤为重要。本文综述了 BMP 的基础科学和临床背景及其在促进癌症方面的潜在作用。
进行了文献回顾，以确定与 BMP 和肿瘤发生相关的研究。评估的数据库包括 MEDLINE 和 EMBASE 以及 2008 年以前的 Cochrane 对照试验登记处。
骨形成蛋白是转化生长因子-β超家族中的一类多种分子，具有多种生物学功能。骨形成蛋白在干细胞和祖细胞生物学中具有重要作用，是细胞扩增和分化的调节剂。转化生长因子-β和相关细胞信号转导以及干细胞和祖细胞信号转导与癌症有关。多项体外和体内研究表明 BMP 在促进肿瘤发生和转移中起重要作用。但是，也有类似的研究表明 BMP 可能对癌症有负面影响。
BMPs 与肿瘤发生或转移的促进之间没有明确的关联。但是，鉴于大量研究报告 BMPs 对肿瘤发生或转移具有积极影响，因此应谨慎考虑在原发性或转移性脊柱肿瘤患者中使用 BMPs。
