Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

07:22
Obtaining Primary Osteocytes Through Murine Calvarial Fractionation of GFP-Expressing Osteocytes
Published on: June 2, 2020
[Physiological function of osteocytes]
1National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Bone and Joint Disease.
Summary
Osteocytes regulate phosphate and mineralization. Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) mutations increase fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), suggesting DMP1 negatively controls FGF23 in bone.
Area of Science:
- Bone Biology
- Endocrinology
- Mineral Metabolism
Background:
- Osteocytes are key bone cells producing DMP1, FGF23, and sclerostin.
- FGF23 regulates phosphate homeostasis and connects bone and kidney.
- DMP1 is crucial for bone mineralization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of DMP1 in regulating FGF23 production by osteocytes.
- To explore the function of osteocytes in bone remodeling and response to mechanical stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of patients with DMP1 mutations.
- Utilizing a targeted osteocyte ablation mouse model.
Main Results:
- DMP1 mutations are associated with elevated FGF23 and hypophosphatemia.
- Osteocyte ablation models reveal roles in bone remodeling and mechanical response.
Conclusions:
- DMP1 negatively regulates FGF23 in osteocytes.
- Osteocytes play critical roles in bone physiology and pathology.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Cells and Tissue
Bones contain a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of organic and inorganic components. Although bone cells compose only a small amount of the bone volume, they are crucial to its function. Four types of cells are found within the bone tissue— osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteogenic cells, and osteoclasts.
Osteoblasts and Osteocytes
The osteoblast is the bone cell responsible for forming new bone tissue. It is found in the growing portions of bone, including the periosteum and...
Osteoblasts and Osteocytes
The osteoblast is the bone cell responsible for forming new bone tissue. It is found in the growing portions of bone, including the periosteum and...
The Functions of the Skeletal System
The most apparent functions of the skeletal system are support, protection, and movement. However, bone tissue also performs several other critical metabolic functions. For one, the bone matrix acts as a reservoir for a number of minerals important to the functioning of the body, especially calcium and phosphorus. These minerals, present in the bone tissue, can be released back into the bloodstream when required. Calcium ions, for example, are essential for muscle contractions and controlling...
The Bone Matrix
Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt crystals. Both components of the matrix, organic and inorganic, contribute to the unusual properties of bone. Without collagen, bones would be brittle and shatter easily. Without mineral crystals, bones would flex and provide little support. This can be observed by an experiment: when the minerals of a bone are dissolved by soaking the bone in acid or...
Compact Bone
Most bones contain compact and spongy osseous tissue, but their distribution and concentration vary based on the bone's overall function.
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during bone...
Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.

