Developments in sclerostin biology: regulation of gene expression, mechanisms of action, and physiological functions.
The SOST gene, which encodes the protein sclerostin, was identified through genetic linkage analysis of sclerosteosis and van Buchem's disease patients. Sclerostin is a secreted glycoprotein that binds to the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins 4, 5, and 6 to inhibit Wnt signaling. Since the initial discovery of sclerostin, much understanding has been gained into the role of this protein in the regulation of skeletal biology. In this article, we discuss the latest findings in the regulation of SOST expression, sclerostin mechanisms of action, and the potential utility of targeting sclerostin in conditions of low bone mass.
Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition & Diabetes, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street NW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA, Weivoda.megan@mayo.edu.
Megan M
MM
Weivoda
Merry Jo
MJ
Oursler
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D026502:LDL-Receptor Related Proteins; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D060449:Wnt Signaling Pathway / Q000502:physiology*
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D005819:Genetic Markers; D026502:LDL-Receptor Related Proteins; C422903:SOST protein, human