Bone morphogenetic protein 8A (Bmp8a)

Induces cartilage and bone formation. May be the osteoinductive factor responsible for the phenomenon of epithelial osteogenesis.

Plays a role in calcium regulation and bone homeostasis (By similarity). Has only marginal osteoinductive activity in mesenchymal progenitor and osteoprogenior cells but shows action in dedicated osteoblastic cells.