Demineralized Bone Matrix: A Morphogenetic Extracellular Matrix

Morphogenesis is the developmental cascade of pattern formation, body-plan establishment and interpretation and differentiation of the pattern. Morphogenesis is induced by morphogens. Morphogens are generally first identified in fly and frog embryos by genetic approaches, differential displays, subtractive hybridization and expression cloning, and this information is then extended to mice and men. This chapter demonstrates an alternative biochemical approach based on regenerative potential of adult mammalian demineralized bone matrix (DBM). Decalcified extracellular bone matrix has been used to treat patients with osteomyelitis. Chemotaxis is the directed migration of cells in response to chemical gradient of signals released from the insoluble demineralized bone matrix. The demineralized bone matrix-induced bone morphogenesis in extraskeletal sites demonstrated the possible presence of morphogens in the extracellular matrix of bone. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMPs) is dimeric molecules and the conformation is critical for biological actions.