Abstract
Bone is a complex, evolving tissue, architecturally defined by the activities of osteoclasts and osteoblasts that continually resorb and replace the mineralised matrix. Numerous regulatory mechanisms exist to control bone remodelling and the maintenance of bone mass. The consequences of inappropriate or uncoupled bone resorption and formation are significant and invariably lead to different disease states, the most prevalent being osteoporosis. In recent years, much attention has focused on unravelling the systemic and local signalling interactions that influence the differentiation and function of bone cells with a view to developing our understanding of bone biology and identifying potential new targets for therapeutic intervention. Several lines of evidence indicate that neurotransmitters and neuromodulators have influential roles to play in the regulation of bone remodelling and much of this research has involved analysis of the excitatory amino acid glutamate. This review will summarise current understanding of glutamate signalling in bone cells, addressing specifically the function of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor signalling mechanisms, and will address the functional significance and future prospects for this area of research. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1089-1104 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology |
| Volume | 39 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2007 |
Keywords
- bone remodelling
- glutamate
- NMDA receptor
- osteoblast
- osteoclast
- LONG-TERM POTENTIATION
- D-ASPARTATE RECEPTORS
- RAT CALVARIAL OSTEOBLASTS
- AMINO-ACID TRANSPORTER
- MOUSE CENTRAL NEURONS
- STEM-CELL NICHE
- AMPA RECEPTORS
- FUNCTIONAL-CHARACTERIZATION
- OSTEOCLAST DIFFERENTIATION
- HIPPOCAMPAL-NEURONS