Osteocytic signalling pathways as therapeutic targets for bone fragility

Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2016 Oct;12(10):593-605. Epub 2016 May 27. DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2016.71 PMID: 27230951 [PubMed – in process]

Osteocytes are differentiated osteoblasts that become surrounded by matrix during the process of bone formation. Acquisition of the osteocyte phenotype is achieved by profound changes in gene expression. The discovery of mutations in human osteocytic genes has contributed, in a large part, to our understanding of the role of osteocytes in bone homeostasis. Osteocytes are targets of the mechanical force imposed on the skeleton and have a critical role in integrating mechanosensory pathways with the action of hormones, which thereby leads to the orchestrated response of bone to environmental cues. Current, therapeutic approaches harness this accumulating knowledge by targeting osteocytic signalling pathways and messengers to improve skeletal health.