The present invention provides modified, highly potent bone morphogenetic proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to the observation that BMP-6 and BMP-9 are less susceptible to inhibition by Noggin that are other members of the BMP subfamily of proteins. The present invention features chimeric bone morphogenetic proteins in which the middle portion of BMP-6 or BMP-9 replaces the middle portion of another BMP subfamily protein to cause resistance to inhibition by Noggin or other Noggin- like antagonists. Other embodiments of modified BMPs, compositions and methods of use are also included.
