Publication
Title
Sclerosing bone disorders : too much of a good thing
Author
Abstract
Osteoporosis is, because of its high prevalence and morbidity, a major health problem in our aging population. Epidemiological studies clearly indicated a heritability of up to 80% for relevant bone parameters with an additional role for environmental factors, such as food intake and physical exercise. A major contribution to our current understanding of bone homeostasis is obtained by studying monogenic diseases with an increased bone density, the sclerosing bone dysplasias. Gene identifications have revealed relevant pathways and mechanisms both in the bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts. Furthermore, natural variants within these genes turned out to have an influence on bone mineral density in the general population. Finally, interesting drug targets for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis were revealed. Although many major breakthroughs have been realized, still a huge amount of significant information is hidden in these pathologies as the function of many of these genes and newly identified pathways is not, or only partially, clear.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Critical reviews in eukaryotic gene expression. - Boca Raton, Fla
Publication
Boca Raton, Fla : 2010
ISSN
1045-4403
DOI
10.1615/CRITREVEUKARGENEEXPR.V20.I3.20
Volume/pages
20 :3 (2010) , p. 195-212
ISI
000286150600002
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 17.02.2011
Last edited 04.03.2024
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