[The bone and Wnt signaling : overview.]

Abstract

The Wnt signaling pathway is known to play an important role in various biological processes including embryonic development and tissues homeostasis. Following the identification of the mutations in LRP5, encoding for the Wnt co-receptor low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5, associated with bone disorders in human, numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of Wnt signaling in bone cells. The Wnt signaling pathway is one of the key regulators of bone metabolism, hence the treatment using a monoclonal antibody against sclerostin, a bone-specific endogenous Wnt inhibitor, could improve bone mass and decrease fracture risk.