Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4) is a member of the bone morphogenetic sub-family (BMP) and functions as a critical element involved in the culture and differentiation of stem cells. Active BMP-4 consists of forming a homodimer or a heterodimer with related BMPs, such as BMP-7. BMP-4 is integral in stem cell cultures and the differentiation of mesoderm and ectoderm from pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs and ESCs). BMP-4 is used in protocols for culturing cardiomyocytes, early hematopoietic cells, hepatocytes, bone, cartilage, adipocytes and lung, as well as, inhibition of early neuronal differentiation.
Bioactivity Assay:Alkaline phosphatase activity induced in ATDC-5 cells; ED50 =15 ng/mL; Bioactivity =6.7 x 10^4 units/mg