Bone metabolism – an underappreciated player

Abstract

Bone is constantly being remodeled, and this process is orchestrated by a dynamic crosstalk of bone cells, including osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes. Recent evidence suggests that cellular metabolism plays a crucial role in the differentiation and function of bone cells and facilitates the adaptation of bone cells to changes in the bone microenvironment. Moreover, bone affects whole-body energy metabolism. However, it is not yet completely understood how different cells in bone coordinate metabolic processes under physiological conditions, and how altered metabolic processes in bone cells contribute to pathological conditions where the balance among bone cells is disrupted. Therefore, gaining a better understanding of the distinct metabolic requirements of bone cells can provide crucial insights into the dysfunction of bone cells in pathological conditions and can be used to identify new therapeutic approaches to treat bone diseases. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding metabolic reprogramming in bone cells.