| Theme | Regulation and disorders of calcium and phosphate metabolism | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Wnt signal and sclerostin | |
| Publish Date | 2014/07 | |
| Author | Kazuhiro Maeda | Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine |
| Author | Mitsuru Saito | Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine |
| Author | Keishi Marumo | Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] | Wnt proteins (Wnts) are secreted glycoproteins with molecular weights of approximately 40 kDa. Wnts play a central role in the development of organs, tissues and tumors. The Wnt family is highly preserved from the C. Elegans in mammals and consists of 19 types in humans. There are two pathways for Wnt signaling, β-catenindependent canonical and β-catenin-independent noncanonical pathways. The Wnt canonical pathway enhances bone formation. Sclerostin is an inhibitor of the Wnt canonical pathway which is produced by the osteocytes. Recent studies have reported on clinical trials for osteoporosis using a monoclonal antibody against sclerostin is ongoing. This review summarizes the roles of Wnt signaling and sclerostin, in bone metabolism and also describes the present state of anti-sclerostin therapy. | |