Role of bone morphogenetic proteins in periodontal tissue engineering: Relatively unexplored horizon

Tissue engineering aims to reconstruct the natural target tissue by a combination of three key elements stem/progenitor cells (that will create the new tissue), signaling molecules (that instruct the cells to form the desired tissue) scaffold/extracellular matrix (to hold the cells). Regeneration of the periodontal tissues following destructive episodes of various forms of periodontitis is a formidable challenge to periodontologists. Bone morphogenic proteins have been considered as the most potent growth factors that can promote the bone regeneration. This review will emphasize on the unique nature of the tissue engineered bone morphogenic proteins molecules regarding their structure, classification, signaling mechanism, etc. which will further help in understanding their role and potential advances necessary to facilitate the process of regeneration in the field of periodontics.