| Theme |
The multifaced role of bone for multisystem illness |
| Title |
Regulation of bone homeostasis by osteocytes |
| Author |
Tomoki Nakashima |
Department of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University / Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO) |
| [ Summary ] |
Bone is constantly renewed by the balanced action of bone formation and bone resorption, both of which occur primarily on the bone surface. This restructuring process, termed "bone remodeling" is important not only for maintenance of normal bone mass and strength, but also for mineral homeostasis. Bone remodeling is stringently regulated by crosstalk between bone component cells such as osteoclasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes. An imbalance of this process is often linked to various bone diseases. During bone remodeling, resorption by osteoclasts precedes bone formation by osteoblasts. Based on osteocyte location within the bone matrix and cellular morphology, it is proposed that osteocytes potentially contribute to the control of bone remodeling by sensing mechanical stress and hormones. |