Purified BMP-17 and BMP-18 proteins and processes for producing them are
disclosed. DNA molecules encoding the BMP-17 and BMP-18 proteins are also
disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone, cartilage,
other connective tissue defects and disorders, including tendon, ligament
and meniscus, in wound healing and related tissue repair, as well as for
treatment of disorders and defects to tissues which include epidermis,
nerve, muscle, including cardiac muscle, and other tissues and wounds,
and organs such as liver, lung, epithelium, brain, spleen, cardiac,
pancreas and kidney tissue. The proteins may also be useful for the
induction of growth and/or differentiation of undifferentiated embryonic
and stem cells.