title: [Osteopontin: a topic from the point of bone morphology].
abstract: Osteopontin is one of the abundant non-collagenous matrix proteins in bone matrix. It is present as approximately one tenth of the non-collagenous bone matrix protein. The structure of the protein contains RGDS motif required for cell attachment and activation of integrins, especially the alpha v beta 3 integrin which is expressed at high levels in osteoclasts and budding vessels. Osteopontin is present particularly at high concentration in the lamina limitans and cement line, suggesting its role in the initiation and termination of the bone turnover.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Pharmacology Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
authors.forename: Masaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Noda
authors.forename: Kunikazu
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tsuji
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nifuji