MERTK Inhibition Increases Bone Density via Increased Osteoblast Activity

Bone density results from the balance of constant activity on the part of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, the former building bone, the latter breaking it down. With advancing age, the balance of activity shifts to favor osteoclasts, producing a gradual loss of bone density that leads to osteoporosis. Therapies have to date typically attempted to reduce osteoclast activity, but researchers here note an approach based on increased osteoblast activity. Bones appear to be durable and solid. But appearances are deceptive: in fact, bone tissue is in a constant state of remodeling. Bone-degrading osteoclasts and bone-building osteoblasts ensure a fine balance in the healthy organism. But this balance is occasionally disturbed: in osteoporosis, bone resorption takes over, so that fractures and deformities can occur. Bone metastases, which occur in the course of many cancers, are also often caused by bone resorption processes. This is also true for multiple myeloma, which originates and spreads in the bone marrow. So far, drugs are available that inhibit bone resorption by osteoclasts. However, researchers believe that agents that promote bone formation by osteoblasts are also medically necessary. To identify such substances, the researchers first had to find out which signaling pathways control osteoblast activity. The team identified in mouse osteoblasts the two enzymes MERTK and TYRO3, so-called receptor tyrosine kinases, which regulate bone production. The function o...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs