Cellular communications in bone homeostasis and repair

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2010 Dec;67(23):4001-9. doi: 10.1007/s00018-010-0479-3. Epub 2010 Aug 8.

Abstract

Cellular communication between the bone component cells osteoblasts, osteocytes and (pre-)osteoclasts is essential for bone remodeling which maintains bone integrity. As in the remodeling of other organs, cell death is a trigger for remodeling of bone. During the systematic process of bone remodeling, direct or indirect cell-cell communication is indispensable. Thus, osteoblasts induce migration and differentiation of preosteoclasts, which is followed by bone resorption (by mature multinuclear osteoclasts). After completion of bone resorption, apoptosis of mature osteoclasts and differentiation of osteoblasts are initiated. At this time, the osteoblasts do not support osteoclast differentiation but do support bone formation. Finally, osteoblasts differentiate to osteocytes in bone or to bone lining cells on bone surfaces. In this way, old bone areas are regenerated as new bone. In this review the role of cell-cell communication in bone remodeling is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Remodeling / physiology
  • Bone and Bones / cytology
  • Bone and Bones / physiology*
  • Cell Communication / physiology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Homeostasis / physiology*
  • Osteoblasts / cytology
  • Osteoblasts / physiology
  • Osteoclasts / cytology
  • Osteoclasts / physiology
  • Osteocytes / cytology
  • Osteocytes / physiology
  • Osteogenesis / physiology*
  • RANK Ligand / metabolism
  • Regeneration / physiology*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / physiology

Substances

  • RANK Ligand