bone morphogenetic protein

:  any of several proteins that are transforming growth factors involved in inducing bone and cartilage formation Apoptosis and chondrogenesis are connected, and both are regulated by the signaling of bone morphogenetic proteins …—Joan C. Marini, The New England Journal of Medicine, 13 Jan. 2005; also :  a recombinant version of one of these proteins used especially in spinal surgery to promote new bone growth A collagen sponge soaked in bone morphogenetic protein, or BMP, can be placed between two vertebrae to stimulate them to fuse together.—Susan Stevens, The Chicago Daily Herald, 7 Feb. 2005—abbreviation BMP