The field of bone health and diseases is a dynamic area of research that focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular determinants that govern bone physiology and pathology. The structural and mechanical integrity of the skeleton is maintained through the coordinated actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are responsible for bone remodeling. This process is finely regulated by a complex interplay of local and systemic factors, including growth factors, cytokines, and hormones. Disruptions in bone remodeling can lead to skeletal disorders characterized by excessive or impaired bone resorption and disorganized bone formation. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of cellular and molecular signaling pathways in bone diseases, such as tumors and genetic disorders, revealing new pathways that also play roles in normal bone physiology. Despite these advances, there remains a need for deeper investigation into the genetic and molecular underpinnings of bone health and disease, as well as the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
This research topic aims to identify and explore the genetic and molecular determinants involved in bone health and diseases. The primary objectives include uncovering new targets to enhance our understanding of the bone environment and its complexities. Additionally, the research seeks to analyze in vivo bone experimental systems, such as animal models, to characterize skeletal phenotypes. A significant goal is to manipulate identified pathways using well-characterized or novel compounds to discover new therapeutic approaches for maintaining bone homeostasis.
To gather further insights into the genetic and molecular determinants in bone health and diseases, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- New developments in signaling pathways of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells.
- New insights into genetic bone diseases.
- Novel mechanisms involved in bone remodeling activity and in bone diseases, including pediatric, cancer, and rare diseases.
- Identification of new therapeutic approaches to restore bone physiology.
- Development of new drugs to treat bone diseases.
- Description of new animal models for bone diseases.
- In vivo characterization of animal models’ skeletal phenotype.
Keywords: bone, ostepathology, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes, bone metabolism, molecular mechanisms, genetic alterations
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
