Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026
08:42
Skeletal Phenotype Analysis of a Conditional Stat3 Deletion Mouse Model
Published on: July 3, 2020
5.2K
Connecting Bone and Fat: The Potential Role for Sclerostin
Heather Fairfield1,2, Clifford J Rosen1,2,3, Michaela R Reagan1,2,3
1Maine Medical Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA.
Current Molecular Biology Reports
|June 6, 2017
Summary
Sclerostin (SOST) protein inhibits bone formation but may promote fat cell development. Further research is needed to understand SOST
Area of Science:
- Bone Biology
- Adipogenesis
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Sclerostin (SOST) is a protein from osteocytes that inhibits bone formation by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
- The interaction between bone and adipose tissue is complex and involves various signaling molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between adipose tissue and bone.
- To examine the role of SOST in bone formation and its emerging function in fat cell development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on SOST, osteogenesis, and adipogenesis.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo findings regarding SOST's effects on MSCs and preadipocytes.
Main Results:
- Recent findings suggest SOST signaling may induce adipogenesis, a process previously lacking identified bone-derived regulators.
- In vitro studies show SOST increases adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.
- In vivo, SOST acts locally to influence bone and potentially adipose tissue.
Conclusions:
- SOST can induce adipogenesis in specific preadipocyte types.
- Further bone-specific research is required to clarify the impact of local SOST concentrations on bone marrow adipose tissue in various health and disease states.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
4.4K
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...
4.4K
01:23Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue
7.6K
Bone tissue forms the internal skeleton of vertebrate animals, providing structure to the body.
Bone Matrix
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that has a large amount of two different types of matrix material. The organic matrix is similar to the matrix material found in other connective tissues, including some amount of collagen and elastic fibers. This gives strength and flexibility to the tissue. The inorganic matrix consists of mineral salts— mostly calcium salts—...
Bone Matrix
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that has a large amount of two different types of matrix material. The organic matrix is similar to the matrix material found in other connective tissues, including some amount of collagen and elastic fibers. This gives strength and flexibility to the tissue. The inorganic matrix consists of mineral salts— mostly calcium salts—...
7.6K
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
4.0K
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
4.0K
01:22The Functions of the Skeletal System
6.3K
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...
6.3K
01:09Spongy Bone
8.7K
All bones comprise an outer layer of compact bone, and an interior made up of spongy bone tissue, also called cancellous or trabecular bone. In long bones, spongy bone tissue is mainly found in the interior of the epiphyses (broad ends of the bone).
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
8.7K
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
5.8K
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
5.8K