BMPR2, or bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2, is a receptor protein involved in the signaling pathway of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). In pulmonary hypertension, there is evidence of altered BMPR2 expression and function.
Mutations in the BMPR2 gene are the most common genetic cause of heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare and progressive lung disease characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. These mutations disrupt the normal function of BMPR2, leading to abnormal cellular responses and vascular remodeling in the lungs.
In addition to genetic mutations, decreased expression of BMPR2 has also been observed in non-heritable forms of pulmonary hypertension, such as idiopathic PAH and associated PAH. Reduced BMPR2 expression can impair BMP signaling, which is important for regulating cell growth, differentiation, and survival in the pulmonary vasculature. This dysregulation contributes to the development of pulmonary hypertension.
Furthermore, decreased BMPR2 expression is associated with poor prognosis and disease progression in PAH patients. It is believed that the loss of BMPR2 function is related to increased proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, all of which contribute to the narrowing and stiffening of pulmonary arteries.
Understanding the role of BMPR2 expression and function in pulmonary hypertension is important for developing targeted therapies to restore BMP signaling and potentially slow down or halt disease progression.
by-ChatGPT-V3.5 |