BMP4 gene encodes a protein of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family, which is part of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. The superfamily includes large families of growth and differentiation factors. Members of the BMP family play an important role in the onset of endochondral bone formation in humans, and a reduction in expression has been associated with a variety of bone diseases and may also be involved in the pathology of multiple cardiovascular diseases and human cancers.