Member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) superfamily of proteins. Similar to other members of the BMP family of proteins, it plays a key role in the transformation of mesenchymal cells into bone and cartilage. It is inhibited by noggin. BMP‐7 may be involved in bone homeostasis and is expressed in the brain, kidneys, and bladder. It has been shown to induce SMAD‐1 as well as multiple biomarkers of osteoblast differentiation. Also called Osteogenic protein 1.