New Delhi, Aug 13 (IANS) — A research team at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela has discovered how natural sugar-like molecules in the human body influence the behaviour of a key protein responsible for bone formation and repair, paving the way for advanced treatments in orthopaedics.
Published in the journal Biochemistry, the study sheds light on how these molecules—known as Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)—interact with Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2), a vital protein in bone and cartilage regeneration, injury healing, and stem cell differentiation into bone-forming cells.
Proteins perform critical functions in the human body, from building tissues to facilitating chemical reactions and cell signalling. To work effectively, they must fold into precise three-dimensional shapes. Understanding how proteins fold and unfold is crucial for advances in medicine, biotechnology, and drug delivery.
The NIT team explored how BMP-2 behaves under stress conditions—using urea to induce protein unfolding—when exposed to different types of GAGs. They found that Sulfated Hyaluronic Acid (SHA), a modified form of GAG, caused BMP-2 to unfold more quickly but in a controlled manner compared to regular hyaluronic acid or no additives at all.
“BMP-2 plays a central role in osteogenesis and bone regeneration within the GAG-rich extracellular matrix of bone tissue,” said Prof. Harekrushna Sahoo. “Our findings show how specific GAG-BMP-2 interactions affect the protein’s structural stability. This knowledge can guide the design of scaffolds that maintain BMP-2’s functionality, extend its bioactivity, and reduce required dosages, minimising potential side effects.”
The research highlights that targeted chemical modifications to GAGs—such as sulfation—can strengthen BMP-2 under physical and chemical stress while preserving its bone-forming capabilities.
These insights hold promise for creating improved biomaterials, advanced implants, and optimised drug delivery systems for treating bone fractures, spinal injuries, and degenerative bone diseases, offering better outcomes and fewer complications for patients.
