Bone is a dynamic tissue characterized by continuous remodeling based on resorption and formation activities. Indeed, the integrity of skeleton is maintained by a tight cross-talk between bone cells, osteoclasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes. It is now well established that the skeleton regulates the whole body physiology, since bone is an endocrine organ that secretes many hormones, including FGF-23 (Fibroblast Growth Factor), Osteocalcin and Lipocalin 2.
Indeed, in the last 10 years several studies suggested that the bone remodeling activity is essential to exert the endocrine function of the skeleton, regulating energy expenditure, insulin secretion, male fertility, appetite, cognitive behavior and anxiety; the latter discovered function even correlates with the regulation of the “fight-or-flight” mode by osteocalcin. These results underlined that bone diseases could lead to alterations of other organs or systems.
The study of the molecular mechanisms regulating bone cells differentiation and activity is relevant to identify new molecular pathways of disease and therapeutic treatments to restore the bone remodeling activity.
We welcome investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will describe the molecular mechanisms leading to the onset of bone diseases and innovative treatments for skeletal diseases.
Following the first volume
Identification of New Molecular Mechanisms of Bone Disease, this Research Topic aims to include Original Research and Review articles on the following areas (but not limited to):
- Identification of new genes involved in skeletal alterations
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of bone diseases, including rare bone diseases
- Characterization of the pathways involved in proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma
- Identification of new therapeutic approaches for bone disorders
- Evaluation of new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for bone diseases
- Establishment of new in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experimental models to study bone disorders.
- Dissecting the endocrine role of the skeleton and the crosstalk with other organs.
