Neuro-bone tissue engineering: emerging mechanisms, potential strategies, and current challenges

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• The skeleton is richly innervated, with nerve fibers influencing bone metabolism and pain.
• Peripheral nerves release factors that impact bone, and sense skeletal signals.
• Recent research highlights the nervous system's role in bone homeostasis and regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the relationship between nerves and bone regeneration.
• To focus on tissue engineering applications for nerve-bone interactions.
• To discuss novel regulatory mechanisms and innovative approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on neuro-osseous interactions.
• Analysis of tissue engineering strategies for simultaneous bone and nerve regeneration.
• Exploration of biomaterials designed to enhance nerve-bone communication.

Main Results:

• Simultaneous regeneration of bone and nerves promotes functional bone repair.
• Understanding neurogenic factors and skeletal interoception can advance biomaterials.
• Nerve-bone interactions offer promising avenues for regenerative medicine.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive reviews on nerve-bone interactions in regeneration are needed.
• This review synthesizes current knowledge and identifies future research directions.
• Targeting nerve-bone crosstalk is a key strategy for improving bone regeneration outcomes.