Osteocyte and bone metabolism

Osteocytes are stellate-shaped or dendritic cells that represent the most abundant cell type in bone. As mechanosensory cells,osteocytes participate in bone remodeling by producing some factors which regulate the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Apoptosis of osteocyte is at least the part of the pathogen-esis of osteoporosis. Moreover, the protein products from osteocyte including sclerostin, fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF23),dentin matrix protein1 (DMP1) and so on,play important roles in maintaining the normal bone metabolism. So there is close relationship between osteocyte and bone metabolism. Further research on apopto-sis of osteocyte and its protein products may provide novel ways and targets for preventing and treating bone metabolic diseases. Key words: Osteocyte; Apoptosis; Osteoporosis; Mechanical strain