Bmp7, short for bone morphogenetic protein 7, is an extracellular signalling protein belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. It has pivotal functions in development, including renal, eye, and neural development. In adults, it is highly expressed in the kidney. Its activity can be regulated by various factors; inhibited by some members of the dan-cerberus group and CTGF, and enhanced by endoglin and KCP [4].

In a mouse model, global inactivation of Bmp7 led to a significant reduction in nephron number to one-tenth of its normal value, indicating its crucial role in supporting nephron progenitor cell proliferation and determining nephron number. Postnatally, Bmp7 drives the proliferation of proximal tubule cells in nephrons [3]. In the context of disease, in a rat spinal cord injury (SCI) model, treatment with recombinant human BMP7 (rhBMP7) decreased microglia activation and promoted M2 polarization, reducing neuron loss and promoting functional recovery. In a mouse model of liver fibrosis, BMP7-loaded human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (hucMSC-sEVs) showed a stronger anti-liver fibrosis effect compared to controls [1,2].

In conclusion, Bmp7 plays essential roles in development and disease processes. Mouse models, especially gene knockout (KO) and conditional knockout (CKO) models, have been instrumental in revealing its functions in nephron development, spinal cord injury recovery, and liver fibrosis amelioration. Understanding Bmp7's functions provides insights into potential therapeutic strategies for related diseases.