The Osteocyte: An Endocrine Cell … and More
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 26 April 2013
- journal article
- review article
- Published by The Endocrine Society in Endocrine Reviews
- Vol. 34 (5), 658-690
- https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2012-1026
Abstract
Few investigators think of bone as an endocrine gland, even after the discovery that osteocytes produce circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 that targets the kidney and potentially other organs. In fact, until the last few years, osteocytes were perceived by many as passive, metabolically inactive cells. However, exciting recent discoveries have shown that osteocytes encased within mineralized bone matrix are actually multifunctional cells with many key regulatory roles in bone and mineral homeostasis. In addition to serving as endocrine cells and regulators of phosphate homeostasis, these cells control bone remodeling through regulation of both osteoclasts and osteoblasts, are mechanosensory cells that coordinate adaptive responses of the skeleton to mechanical loading, and also serve as a manager of the bone's reservoir of calcium. Osteocytes must survive for decades within the bone matrix, making them one of the longest lived cells in the body. Viability and survival are therefore extremely important to ensure optimal function of the osteocyte network. As we continue to search for new therapeutics, in addition to the osteoclast and the osteoblast, the osteocyte should be considered in new strategies to prevent and treat bone disease.Keywords
This publication has 172 references indexed in Scilit:
- Osteocytic network is more responsive in calcium signaling than osteoblastic network under fluid flowJournal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2011
- Cell autonomous requirement of connexin 43 for osteocyte survival: Consequences for endocortical resorption and periosteal bone formationJournal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2011
- Cell line IDG-SW3 replicates osteoblast-to-late-osteocyte differentiation in vitro and accelerates bone formation in vivoJournal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2011
- Sclerostin is a locally acting regulator of late-osteoblast/preosteocyte differentiation and regulates mineralization through a MEPE-ASARM-dependent mechanismJournal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2011
- The amazing osteocyteJournal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2010
- Mechanical induction of PGE2 in osteocytes blocks glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis through both the β-catenin and PKA pathwaysJournal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2010
- Unique roles of phosphorus in endochondral bone formation and osteocyte maturationJournal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2010
- Glucocorticoid-induced autophagy in osteocytesJournal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2010
- The biological function of DMP-1 in osteocyte maturation is mediated by its 57-kDa c-terminal fragmentJournal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2010
- Real-time measurement of solute transport within the lacunar-canalicular system of mechanically loaded bone: Direct evidence for load-induced fluid flowJournal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2010