Abstract: The invention provides cell-based methods to detect and/or measure the BMP-12-related protein activity of a sample containing a BMP-12-related protein. The methods involve contacting a suitable cell with the sample, and measuring the expression level of at least one BMP-12-related-activity-marker. A dose-dependent increase(s) in the level(s) of the BMP-12-related-activity-markers is indicative of the BMP-12-related protein activity in the sample. The levels of the BMP-12-related-activity-markers of the invention exhibit a dose-responsive increase in response to known BMP-12-related proteins BMP-12, BMP-13, and MP-52, but not to the osteogenic protein, BMP-2.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hernia repair and methods for stimulating growth of fascia tissue employing compositions comprising fibrous tissue inducing proteins.

Abstract: The disclosure provides assay systems for evaluating the presence of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) activity in a cell by evaluating the gene expression of secreted Frizzled Related Protein 2 and 3 (sFRP2 and sFRP3). The sFRP2 and sFRP3 gene expression may be detected at the RNA or protein levels. The methods include methods for evaluating exogenous and endogenous BMP expression and utilize both genomic sFRP2 and sFRP3 genes and reporter constructs.