Mst1/2 Kinases Modulate Glucose Uptake for Osteoblast Differentiation and Bone Formation

Glucose Uptake and Runx2 Synergize to Orchestrate Osteoblast Differentiation and Bone Formation

The synthesis of type I collagen, the main component of bone matrix, precedes the expression of Runx2, the earliest determinant of osteoblast differentiation. We hypothesized that the energetic needs of osteoblasts might explain this apparent paradox. We show here that glucose, the main nutrient of osteoblasts, is transported in these cells through Glut1, whose expression precedes that of Runx2...

Osteoblast-derived VEGF regulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation during bone repair.

Osteoblast-derived VEGF is important for bone development and postnatal bone homeostasis. Previous studies have demonstrated that VEGF affects bone repair and regeneration; however, the cellular mechanisms by which it works are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the functions of osteoblast-derived VEGF in healing of a bone defect. The results indicate that osteoblast-derived V...

Decreased C-Src Expression Enhances Osteoblast Differentiation and Bone Formation

c-src deletion in mice leads to osteopetrosis as a result of reduced bone resorption due to an alteration of the osteoclast. We report that deletion/reduction of Src expression enhances osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, contributing to the increase in bone mass. Bone histomorphometry showed that bone formation was increased in Src null compared with wild-type mice. In vitro, alkali...

Bio-adhesive surfaces to promote osteoblast differentiation and bone formation.

Binding of integrin adhesion receptors to extracellular matrix components, such as fibronectin and type I collagen, activates signaling pathways directing osteoblast survival, cell-cycle progression, gene expression, and matrix mineralization. Biomimetic strategies exploit these adhesive interactions to engineer bio-inspired surfaces that promote osteoblast adhesion and differentiation, bone fo...

“Glucose: not always the bad guy” Commentary on “Glucose Uptake and Runx2 Synergize to Orchestrate Osteoblast Differentiation and Bone Formation” by Wei et al, Cell. 2015