Role of K<sup>+</sup> and Ca<sup>2+</sup>-Permeable Channels in Osteoblast Functions

Bone-forming cells or osteoblasts play an important role in bone modeling and remodeling processes. Osteoblast differentiation or osteoblastogenesis is orchestrated by multiple intracellular signaling pathways (e.g., bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and Wnt signaling pathways) and is modulated by t...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hiroaki Kito, Susumu Ohya
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-09-01
Series:International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/19/10459
Description
Summary:Bone-forming cells or osteoblasts play an important role in bone modeling and remodeling processes. Osteoblast differentiation or osteoblastogenesis is orchestrated by multiple intracellular signaling pathways (e.g., bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and Wnt signaling pathways) and is modulated by the extracellular environment (e.g., parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and integrins). The regulation of bone homeostasis depends on the proper differentiation and function of osteoblast lineage cells from osteogenic precursors to osteocytes. Intracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> signaling relies on the control of numerous processes in osteoblast lineage cells, including cell growth, differentiation, migration, and gene expression. In addition, hyperpolarization via the activation of K<sup>+</sup> channels indirectly promotes Ca<sup>2+</sup> signaling in osteoblast lineage cells. An improved understanding of the fundamental physiological and pathophysiological processes in bone homeostasis requires detailed investigations of osteoblast lineage cells. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the functional impacts of K<sup>+</sup> channels and Ca<sup>2+</sup>-permeable channels, which critically regulate Ca<sup>2+</sup> signaling in osteoblast lineage cells to maintain bone homeostasis.
ISSN:1661-6596
1422-0067