Bone morphogenic protein receptor type 1A (BMPR1A), also known as activin receptor-like kinase 3 (ALK3), and CD292, is a type I receptor within the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) receptor superfamily.¹

The TGF-β family of ligands has 33 human members, encoding TGF-β isoforms, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), growth and differentiation factors (GDFs), activins, inhibins, nodal, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). The TGF-β superfamily ligands regulate cellular function through seven type I TGF-β superfamily receptors (ALK (Activin like kinase)-1-7) and five type II TGF-β superfamily receptors (TβRII, ActRII, ActRIIB, AMHRII, and BMPRII). Type I (RI) and type II (RII) TGF-β superfamily receptors are serine/threonine kinases that form a complex together, and upon ligand binding the type II receptor phosphorylates the type I receptor to induce downstream signalling.¹

BMPR1A binds several of the TGF-β family ligands including BMP2, BMP4, GDF5, and GDF6, and is expressed in various tissues throughout the body, reflecting its diverse roles in development and homeostasis. BMPR1A has crucial roles in various biological processes, including embryonic development, organogenesis, and tissue homeostasis as well as roles in pathological conditions including heart disease, cancer and vascular calcification.^1-4

BMPR1A is expressed in the brain and spinal cord where it plays a role in neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, axon guidance, and other processes related to neural development and function, as well as control of energy balance and appetite regulation.⁵

BMPR1A is present in the immune system where it is involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis and the differentiation of immune cells, as well as regulation of inflammation and immune evasion mechanisms in certain cancers.⁶