Authors: Takuo Kubota Toshimi Michigami Keiichi Ozono
Publish Date: 2009/03/31
Volume: 27, Issue: 3, Pages: 265-271
Abstract
A variety of in vivo models have increased understanding of the role of Wnt signaling in bone since mutations in the LRP5 gene were found in human bone disorders Canonical Wnt signaling encourages mesenchymal progenitor cells to differentiate into osteoblasts In osteoblasts Wnt pathway also promotes proliferation and mineralization while blocks apoptosis and osteoclastogenesis by increasing the OPG/RANKL ratio Lrp6mediated signaling in osteoblasts may regulate osteoclastogenesis However the role of canonical Wnt signaling in osteoclasts remains unknown and our understanding of the role of noncanonical Wnt signaling in bone biology is also not sufficient As to pharmacological intervention many levels may be considered to target in Wnt signaling pathway although tumorigenicity and toxicity to other tissues are important Mesd might be one of target molecules to increase the quantity of LRP5/6 in the plasma membrane Since sclerostin is almost exclusively expressed in osteocytes abrogating sclerostin is the most promising design
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