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Bioenergetic Metabolism In Osteoblast Differentiation

  • Skeletal Biology and Regulation (M McDonald and E Schipani, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Osteoporosis Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Osteoblasts are responsible for bone matrix production during bone development and homeostasis. Much is known about the transcriptional regulation and signaling pathways governing osteoblast differentiation. However, less is known about how osteoblasts obtain or utilize nutrients to fulfill the energetic demands associated with osteoblast differentiation and bone matrix synthesis. The goal of this review is to highlight and discuss what is known about the role and regulation of bioenergetic metabolism in osteoblasts with a focus on more recent studies.

Recent Findings

Bioenergetic metabolism has emerged as an important regulatory node in osteoblasts. Recent studies have begun to identify the major nutrients and bioenergetic pathways favored by osteoblasts as well as their regulation during differentiation. Here, we highlight how osteoblasts obtain and metabolize glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids to provide energy and other metabolic intermediates. In addition, we highlight the signals that regulate nutrient uptake and metabolism and focus on how energetic metabolism promotes osteoblast differentiation.

Summary

Bioenergetic metabolism provides energy and other metabolites that are critical for osteoblast differentiation and activity. This knowledge contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of osteoblast biology and may inform novel strategies to modulate osteoblast differentiation and bone anabolism in patients with bone disorders.

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Funding

Work in the Karner lab is supported by National Institute of Health R01 grants (AR076325 and AR071967) to C.M.K.

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  1. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

    Leyao Shen, Guoli Hu & Courtney M. Karner

  2. Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA

    Courtney M. Karner

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  1. Leyao Shen
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Shen, L., Hu, G. & Karner, C.M. Bioenergetic Metabolism In Osteoblast Differentiation. Curr Osteoporos Rep 20, 53–64 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-022-00721-2

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