Growth factor of the TGF-beta superfamily that plays important role in various biological processes, including embryogenesis, hematopoiesis, neurogenesis and skeletal morphogenesis (PubMed:31208997). Initiates the canonical BMP signaling cascade by associating with type I receptor ACVR1 and type II receptor ACVR2A (PubMed:9748228, PubMed:12667445). Once all three components are bound together in a complex at the cell surface, ACVR2A phosphorylates and activates ACVR1. In turn, ACVR1 propagates signal by phosphorylating SMAD1/5/8 that travel to the nucleus and act as activators and repressors of transcription of target genes (PubMed:12478285). For specific functions such as growth cone collapse in developing spinal neurons and chemotaxis of monocytes, uses also BMPR2 as type II receptor (PubMed:31208997). Can also signal through non-canonical pathways such as P38 MAP kinase signaling cascade that promotes brown adipocyte differentiation through activation of target genes, including members of the SOX family of transcription factors (PubMed:27923061). Homodimer; disulfide-linked. Interacts with SOSTDC1 (PubMed:15020244). Interacts with TWSG1 (By similarity). Interacts with FBN1 (via N-terminal domain) and FBN2 (PubMed:18339631). Interacts with type I receptor ACVR1 (PubMed:9748228). Interacts with type II receptor ACVR2A (PubMed:12667445). Interacts with NOG; this interaction inhibits canonical BMP signaling (PubMed:12478285). Interacts with SCUBE3 (PubMed:33308444). Expressed in the kidney and bladder. Lower levels seen in the brain. Expressed in the developing eye, brain and ear during embryogenesis. Several N-termini starting at positions 293, 300, 315 and 316 have been identified by direct sequencing resulting in secretion of different mature forms. Available under the name Osigraft (Stryker). Its use is indicated in the treatment of tibial non-union of at least 9 months duration, secondary to trauma, in skeletally mature patients, in cases where autograft has failed or is unfeasible. Belongs to the TGF-beta family. Bone morphogenetic protein 7 entry