Vol 49, No 4 (2011)
Review paper
Submitted: 2012-01-16
Published online: 2012-01-16
Bone as a source of organism vitality and regeneration
Zygmunt Mackiewicz, Wiesława Ewa Niklińska, Jolanta Kowalewska, Lech Chyczewski
DOI: 10.5603/FHC.2011.0079
·
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2011;49(4):558-569.
Vol 49, No 4 (2011)
REVIEW
Submitted: 2012-01-16
Published online: 2012-01-16
Abstract
The most important features that determine the vital role of bone include: a) a continuous supply of
calcium, which is indispensible for every cell of the entire organism at all times, and b) the delivery of circulating
blood cells and some adult stem cells to keep the body vigorous, ready for self-reparation, and continuously
rebuilding throughout life. These functions of bones are no less important than protecting the body cavities,
serving as mechanical levers connected to the muscles, and determining the shape and dimensions of the entire
organism. The aim of this review was to address some basic cellular and molecular knowledge to better understand
the complex interactions of bone structural components. The apprehension of osteoblast differentiation
and its local regulation has substantially increased in recent years. It has been suggested that osteocytes, cells
within the bone matrix, act as regulatory mechanosensors. Therefore immobility as well as limited activity has
a dramatic effect on bone structure and influences a broad spectrum of bone physiology-related functions as well
as the functions of many other organs. Lifelong bone rebuilding is modulated through several pathways, including
the Wnt pathway that regulates bone formation and resorption. In the adult skeleton, bone is continuously
renewed in response to a variety of stimuli, such as the specific process of remodeling dependent on RANK/
/RANKL/OPG interactions. Better understanding of bone biology provides opportunities for the development
of more effective prevention and treatment modalities for a variety of bone diseases, including new approaches
to adult stem cell-based therapies. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 558–569)
Abstract
The most important features that determine the vital role of bone include: a) a continuous supply of
calcium, which is indispensible for every cell of the entire organism at all times, and b) the delivery of circulating
blood cells and some adult stem cells to keep the body vigorous, ready for self-reparation, and continuously
rebuilding throughout life. These functions of bones are no less important than protecting the body cavities,
serving as mechanical levers connected to the muscles, and determining the shape and dimensions of the entire
organism. The aim of this review was to address some basic cellular and molecular knowledge to better understand
the complex interactions of bone structural components. The apprehension of osteoblast differentiation
and its local regulation has substantially increased in recent years. It has been suggested that osteocytes, cells
within the bone matrix, act as regulatory mechanosensors. Therefore immobility as well as limited activity has
a dramatic effect on bone structure and influences a broad spectrum of bone physiology-related functions as well
as the functions of many other organs. Lifelong bone rebuilding is modulated through several pathways, including
the Wnt pathway that regulates bone formation and resorption. In the adult skeleton, bone is continuously
renewed in response to a variety of stimuli, such as the specific process of remodeling dependent on RANK/
/RANKL/OPG interactions. Better understanding of bone biology provides opportunities for the development
of more effective prevention and treatment modalities for a variety of bone diseases, including new approaches
to adult stem cell-based therapies. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 558–569)
Keywords
bone; bone-derived adult stem cells; osteoblasts; osteocytes; osteoclasts; osteoporosis
Title
Bone as a source of organism vitality and regeneration
Journal
Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica
Issue
Vol 49, No 4 (2011)
Article type
Review paper
Pages
558-569
Published online
2012-01-16
Page views
2373
Article views/downloads
2548
DOI
10.5603/FHC.2011.0079
Bibliographic record
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2011;49(4):558-569.
Keywords
bone
bone-derived adult stem cells
osteoblasts
osteocytes
osteoclasts
osteoporosis
Authors
Zygmunt Mackiewicz
Wiesława Ewa Niklińska
Jolanta Kowalewska
Lech Chyczewski