Periosteal Bone Formation Varies with Age in Periostin Null Mice

The objective of this study was to examine the function of periostin in maintaining bone mass and tissue strength across different ages. In periostin null mice (Postn −/−), periosteal bone formation was significantly reduced in young (3 months) and adult mice (9 months). The lack of bone formation resulted in reduced bone mass and ultimate strength. Conversely, periosteal bone formation increased at advanced ages in 18-month-old Postn−/− mice. The increas e in periosteal mineralization at advanced ages coincides with increased expression of vitronectin and osteopontin. Periosteal progenitors from Postn−/− mice displayed an increased capacity to mineralize when cultured on vitronectin, but not type-1 collagen. Altogether, these findings demonstrat e the unique role of periostin in regulating periosteal bone formation at different ages and the potential for vitronectin to compensate in the absence of periostin.

Source: Calcified Tissue International - February 2, 2023 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research