Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
07:22
Obtaining Primary Osteocytes Through Murine Calvarial Fractionation of GFP-Expressing Osteocytes
Published on: June 2, 2020
The osteocyte: an endocrine cell ... and more.
Sarah L Dallas1, Matthew Prideaux, Lynda F Bonewald
1PhD, Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 650 East 25th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108. Bonewaldl@umkc.edu.
Endocrine Reviews
|April 25, 2013
Summary
Osteocytes, once thought passive, are now recognized as key endocrine cells regulating mineral balance and bone remodeling. Targeting these long-lived cells offers new therapeutic strategies for bone diseases.
Area of Science:
- Bone biology
- Endocrinology
- Mineral homeostasis
Background:
- Osteocytes were historically viewed as inactive bone cells.
- Recent research reveals osteocytes as multifunctional regulators.
- Osteocytes produce fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), impacting mineral metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the multifaceted roles of osteocytes.
- To emphasize osteocyte importance in bone and mineral homeostasis.
- To advocate for considering osteocytes in bone disease therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific discoveries and literature.
- Analysis of osteocyte functions in bone remodeling and mineral regulation.
- Discussion of osteocyte mechanosensory roles and survival.
Main Results:
- Osteocytes actively regulate phosphate homeostasis via FGF23.
- They control bone remodeling by influencing osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
- Osteocytes act as mechanosensors, responding to mechanical loading.
- They manage the bone's calcium reservoir and are crucial for skeletal adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Osteocytes are vital multifunctional cells in bone.
- Their roles extend beyond passive structural support to active regulation.
- Osteocytes are critical for maintaining bone and mineral homeostasis.
- Therapeutic strategies for bone diseases should include osteocytes.
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