Signaling pathways governing osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and function.

Abstract excerpt

Osteoblasts are bone forming cells that are responsible for bone growth and remodeling. They are derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through a series of processes including commitment, osteoprogenitor expansion, terminal differentiation and cell death. Osteoblastogenesis and bone formation are regulated by hormones, growth factors, cytokines, mechanical loading and aging. Osteoblasts can sense these...