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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published on: June 8, 2014
Molecular mechanisms in coupling of bone formation to resorption
T Martin1, Jonathan H Gooi, Natalie A Sims
1St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and University of Melbourne Department of Medicine, Fitzroy, 3065, Victoria, Australia. jmartin@svi.edu.au
Abstract:
Bone remodeling is the process of removal and replacement of bone, taking place at many sites throughout the skeleton and regulated mainly by locally generated factors. Its purposes are to repair damaged bone, remove old bone, and facilitate skeletal responses to changes in loading requirements. Cells of the osteoblast lineage control the formation and activity of osteoclasts, which are responsible for initiation and execution of resorption at remodeling sites. The bone resorbed by osteoclasts is replaced through the differentiation and activity of osteoblasts. The consequent formation must match closely the amount of bone that is resorbed at each site. This coupling of the two processes is essential for bone balance. Both resorption products and osteoclast-derived factors contribute to the coupling of bone formation to resorption in bone remodeling. This review considers the molecular mechanisms and intercellular communication processes involved in remodeling and coupling.
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