title: Sclerostin expression and functions beyond the osteocyte.
abstract: Sclerostin, the product of the SOST gene, is a secreted inhibitor of Wnt signaling that is produced by osteocytes to regulate bone formation. While it is often considered an osteocyte-specific protein, SOST expression has been reported in numerous other cell types, including hypertrophic chondrocytes and cementocytes. Of interest, SOST/sclerostin expression is altered in certain pathogenic conditions, including osteoarthritis and rheumatic joint disease, and it is unclear whether sclerostin plays a protective role or whether sclerostin may mediate disease pathogenesis. Therefore, as anti-sclerostin antibodies are being developed for the treatment of osteoporosis, it is important to understand the functions of sclerostin beyond the regulation of bone formation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition & Diabetes, Mayo Clinic, USA. Electronic address: Weivoda.megan@mayo.edu.
authors.forename: Megan M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Weivoda
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition & Diabetes, Mayo Clinic, USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Youssef
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition & Diabetes, Mayo Clinic, USA.
authors.forename: Merry Jo
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Oursler
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004194:Disease; D006801:Humans; D009928:Organ Specificity; D010011:Osteocytes / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis; Osteoarthritis; Rheumatoid arthritis; Sclerostin; Wnt