Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2026

Skeletal Phenotype Analysis of a Conditional Stat3 Deletion Mouse Model
Published on: July 3, 2020
Integrin αVβ3 as a context‑dependent regulator of bone homeostasis: Insights into osteoporosis pathogenesis and
Changshun Chen1, Xingxi Hu1, Sixing Wei1
1Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Osteoporosis (OP) is a multifactorial skeletal disorder characterized by progressive bone loss, microarchitectural deterioration and an increased risk of fragility fractures resulting from disrupted bone remodeling. Integrin αVβ3 functions as an important regulator of bone homeostasis by coordinating bone cell‑extracellular matrix interactions, mechanotransduction and intracellular signaling across multiple bone cell populations. Through context‑dependent actions in osteoclasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes, endothelial cells and immune cells, integrin αVβ3 influences osteoclast adhesion and bone resorption, osteoblast differentiation, angiogenesis, inflammatory responses, and estrogen‑associated skeletal remodeling. These diverse functions position integrin αVβ3 at the interface of the multiple signaling pathways involved in maintaining bone‑metabolic homeostasis. The present review summarizes current evidence regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the integrin αVβ3‑mediated regulation of bone remodeling, discusses the cell‑specific and microenvironment‑dependent functions of integrin αVβ3 in OP pathogenesis, and critically evaluates the challenges and future directions for translating integrin αVβ3‑targeted strategies into clinical applications against OP.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
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...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
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 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...