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Updated: Mar 9, 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
Epigenetics, Bone Remodeling and Osteoporosis
1State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral Biology, Clinic of Oral Rare and Genetic Diseases, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi`an, 710032, People`s Republic of China.
Abstract:
Epigenetic regulation, including modifications of DNA, histone proteins and non-coding RNAs, play an important role in the regulation of gene expression and keep the heritable traits of progeny cells without changing DNA sequence. Recent years, epigenetic regulation of bone homeostasis are widely investigated and considered as a vital factor during the differentiation and function of osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteocytes. Osteoporosis is a common degenerative bone disease which is characterized with decreased bone strength and increased risk of fracture. It has been testified that the abnormal bone metabolism homeostasis, especially in osteoclast function, take a fundamental role in osteoporosis pathogenesis. The reports between osteoporosis and epigenetic regulations are also increased gradually in recent years. In this review, we summarize the current developments of epigenetic regulation mechanism in bone development and remodeling, and emphasize the epigenetic features of osteoporosis and the potent therapy application of epigenetic drugs for osteoporosis.
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