The Osteoblast: A Sophisticated Fibroblast under Central Surveillance

[Rcjohnsen]

Medicine/Diseases   

The Osteoblast: A Sophisticated Fibroblast under Central Surveillance 

Patricia Ducy, Thorsten Schinke, Gerard Karsenty*  
The study of the biology of osteoblasts, or bone-forming cells, illustrates how
mammalian genetics has profoundly modified our understanding of cell
differentiation and physiologic processes. Indeed, genetic-based studies over
the past 5 years have revealed how osteoblast differentiation is controlled
through growth and transcription factors. Likewise, the recent identification,
using mutant mouse models, of a central component in the regulation of bone
formation expands our understanding of the control of bone remodeling. This
regulatory loop, which involves the hormone leptin, may help to explain the
protective effect of obesity on bone mass in humans. In addition, it provides a
novel physiologic concept that may shed light on the etiology of osteoporosis
and help to identify new therapeutic targets.  
Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One
Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA. 
*   To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: karsenty at bcm.tmc.edu 


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