Expression of BMP-6, a TGF-beta related morphogenetic cytokine, in rat radial glial cells.

Bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP-6) is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily of cytokines. The bone morphogenetic proteins and homologous cytokines participate in realization of the genetic body plan by regulating homeotic gene expression, embryonic development, and neurogenesis. Here we demonstrate expression of BMP-6 in rat radial glial cells which are involved in embryonic organisation of the central nervous system. Thus, morphogenetic cytokines like BMP-6 might contribute to radial glial cell function in organizing the migration of immature neurons during the development of the CNS cortex.