Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are involved in a broad array of morphogenetic processes. These span from the specification of the dorso-ventral body axis to patterning, organogenesis and differentiation of most tissues. Nevertheless, the initial discovery of BMPs as protein preparations that induced ectopically and in vivo a cascade of endochondral bone formation in rats, has strongly stimulated the study of their role in the development of the skeleton and in patterning of the synovial joints [1-3]. Additionally, with their remarkable cartilage and bone morphogenetic activity, BMPs represent an attractive therapeutic option for skeletal and joint disorders. Indeed, growing scientific evidence supports the concept that tissue repair and regeneration recapitulates to a certain extent the process of tissue formation during embryonic development. Recent advances in unraveling the molecular basis of developmental processes support BMP signaling as potential targets in reparative approaches in joint diseases.