* Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are two families of signaling molecules that play essential roles in embryonic development. BMPs are involved in the formation of bone, cartilage, and muscle, while FGFs are involved in the development of the nervous system, limbs, and lungs.
* Scientists have long known that BMPs and FGFs are important for embryonic development, but they have not fully understood how these molecules work. Recent research has shed light on the mechanisms by which BMPs and FGFs guide cell differentiation.
* One study, published in the journal *Developmental Cell*, showed that BMPs and FGFs work together to regulate the expression of genes that control cell differentiation. The researchers found that BMPs activate a signaling pathway that leads to the expression of a gene called *Noggin*. Noggin then binds to FGFs and prevents them from activating their signaling pathway. This cross-talk between BMPs and FGFs ensures that cells differentiate into the correct type of tissue.
* Another study, published in the journal *Nature*, showed that BMPs and FGFs can also guide cell differentiation by controlling the movement of cells. The researchers found that BMPs cause cells to move away from each other, while FGFs cause cells to move towards each other. This movement of cells is essential for the formation of the different tissues and organs of the embryo.
* The research on BMPs and FGFs is still in its early stages, but it is already clear that these molecules play a critical role in embryonic development. By understanding how BMPs and FGFs work, scientists may be able to develop new treatments for birth defects and other developmental disorders.
Source:
* [Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in embryonic development](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3964254/)
* [Crosstalk between BMP and FGF signaling pathways controls the specification of neural crest cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3202502/)
* [BMP and FGF regulate the migration of facial prominences during mouse embryonic development](https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms13547)
