A Review of Non-Collagenous Proteins; their Role in Bone

Abstract

One of the unique aspects of the bone formation process is the biological mineralization of the proteinaceous matrix. The physicochemical process of mineralization is closely regulated; the precise nature of this regulation is not completely understood. The mineralization process is influenced by matrix proteins, some of which act as inhibitors and some as enhancers. Such factors include collagen mainly types I, III and VI, extracellular matrix proteins and cell attachment proteins, in addition to systemic hormones.