Growth factor of the TGF-beta superfamily that plays essential roles in many developmental processes, including cartilage and bone formation or neurogenesis (PubMed:7958439, PubMed:29321139). Initiates the canonical BMP signaling cascade by associating with type I receptor BMPR1A and type II receptor BMPR2. In turn, BMPR1A propagates signal by phosphorylating SMAD1/5/8 that travel to the nucleus and act as activators and repressors of transcription of target genes. Can also signal through non-canonical pathway such as MAPK p38 signaling cascade to promote chondrogenic differentiation (By similarity). Homodimer; disulfide-linked. Deletion mutant mice show a number of skeletal defects, including small ears, several reduced vertebral processes, and a reduced number of ribs and sesamoid bones (PubMed:7958439). BMP5/7-deficient mice lack midbrain dopaminergic neurons due to reduced neurogenesis in the midbrain dopaminergic progenitor domain (PubMed:29321139). Belongs to the TGF-beta family.