Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 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
Metabolic Rewiring and Post-Translational Modifications: Unlocking the Mechanisms of Bone Turnover in Osteoporosis
Yuanyuan Li1,2, Qilin Li1,2, Kehan Zhang1,2
1Center of Stomatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease characterized by low bone density resulting from abnormal bone metabolism, caused by impaired osteogenesis and/or excessive bone resorption. The coordinated differentiation of osteoblasts (originating from mesenchymal stem cells) and osteoclasts (derived from hematopoietic progenitor cells) is necessary for maintaining normal bone remodeling and homeostasis. Metabolites have been confirmed to regulate cellular behavior through post-translational modifications (PTMs), including acetylation, lactylation, and succinylation. During osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation, progenitor cells undergo metabolic rewiring to meet the energy demands of these biological processes. Consequently, local metabolite profiles and intermediate metabolic products dynamically change during bone remodeling, influencing cell differentiation via PTMs. Given the regulatory role of PTMs in bone metabolism, this review systematically examines PTMs involved in osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and explores potential avenues for addressing osteoporosis.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
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...
Bone Remodeling and Repair
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
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...

