Skeletal endocrinology: where evolutionary advantage meets disease

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Skeletal Physiology

Background:

• The skeleton is an endocrine organ, secreting signaling molecules that regulate whole-body homeostasis.
• Bone-derived hormones offer adaptive benefits but also involve physiological trade-offs, potentially leading to disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the evolutionary origins and functions of fibroblast growth factor 23 and osteocalcin.
• To provide a theoretical framework for their roles in amniote physiology and disease.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets and discuss challenges in skeletal endocrine research.

Main Methods:

• Evolutionary analysis of skeletal endocrine mediators.
• Theoretical framework development for hormone function and disease.
• Review of existing literature on fibroblast growth factor 23 and osteocalcin.

Main Results:

• Fibroblast growth factor 23 and osteocalcin have critical roles in whole-body homeostasis.
• Their physiological functions present adaptive trade-offs that can contribute to disease pathogenesis.
• An evolutionary perspective illuminates their broad involvement in amniote physiology.

Conclusions:

• Skeletal endocrine signaling, exemplified by fibroblast growth factor 23 and osteocalcin, is crucial for homeostasis but linked to disease.
• Understanding the evolutionary context of these hormones is vital for developing new therapeutic strategies.
• Further research is needed to address unresolved questions in skeletal endocrine regulation.