Roles of BMP in the development of the central nervous system

Abstract Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is involved in astrocytic differentiation of neural precursor cells. In the nuclei, BMP-downstream transcription factors, i.e. Smad proteins, induce expression of astrocyte-specific genes in cooperation with another cytokine signaling, while inhibiting neuronal and oligodendrocytic differentiation-inducing transcription factors. This cross-inhibitory mechanism contributes to exclusive astrocytic differentiation. Crosstalk among cytokine signaling pathways thus is important for the development of the central nervous system.