Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Skeletal Muscle Gender Dimorphism from Proteomics
Published on: December 14, 2011
Sex specific effects of irisin on the skeleton
Anika Shimonty1, Lynda F Bonewald2
1Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
None:
Irisin, the circulating protein derived from cleavage of fibronectin type III domain containing protein 5 (FNDC5) has attracted considerable attention regarding its positive effects on a number of organs/tissues such as fat, brain, and heart. However, effects on bone can appear to be either positive or negative depending on context and sex. Sex differences have also been described in Alzheimer's disease also emphasizing sex differences in response to irisin. Here in this review, we outline and focus on the effects of irisin on osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes, murine models, and human studies. The consideration of sex effects is necessary especially in the context of irisin serving as a therapeutic.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to the Skeletal System
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
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...
Signs of Puberty
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...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification