Scientists have discovered a protein that suppresses the formation of new bone tissue. It is this protein that blocks the activity of bone-forming cells, disrupting the entire process. By influencing the new mechanism, researchers plan to cope with the pathology of osteoblast function in osteoporosis, a severe chronic disease in which there is a significant decrease in bone mass and density.
The CLEC14A protein is present in blood vessel cells called endothelial cells, which during bone development transport immature osteoblasts to target sites where new bone tissue is needed. The problem arises when CLEC14A is also present on the outside of the endothelial cell. This causes osteoblast maturation to be disrupted and new functional bone tissue to not form, the University of Birmingham website reports .
Experiments showed that without the protein, osteoblasts matured in four days, and in the presence of CLEC14A in eight. At the same time, without CLEC14A, a significant increase in the mineralization of the formed bone tissue was observed.
Interestingly, scientists had previously discovered a special type of blood vessel cell that is responsible for directing osteoblast transport. It turned out that CLEC14A is present on the surface of this type of cell.
"Poor bone formation is observed in osteoporosis, autoimmune arthritis and other diseases. Now we hope to create new effective methods of treatment for disorders of the musculoskeletal system," the scientists said.
Previously, researchers discovered another protein called PEPITEM, which regulates bone remodeling and increases bone mineralization. It increases the activity of osteoblasts, not their number.