Osteopetrotic models for identifying genes that control bone resorption

Abstract

Hematopoietic system in vertebrates hinges on the development of novel organ not present in other organisms and called bone marrow that is located within bones. In order for this organ to develop, first bones have to develop that occurs in bony fish and then cellular mechanism of creating the space inside them. This cellular mechanism is dependent on a single new type of cell called the osteoclast that is resorbing bone. Identification of genes whose products are critical for that process should be helped by the analysis of a disorder that is due to its disturbance. Such disorder called marble bone disease or osteopetrosis was first discovered in man about one hundred years ago and since then identified in many vertebrate species. It is rare and sometimes fatal disease that is due to smaller or absent bone marrow cavities and disturbed development of bone marrow, In extreme cases, there is no bone marrow. © 2008 Springer.