Characterization and Therapeutic Targeting of a Novel Pathway Regulating Bone Cell Development

Osteoporosis is characterized by a loss of bone tissue that results in bone fragility and an increased incidence of fracture. Numerous studies have shown that the number of fat cells (adipocytes) within bone increases with aging and disorders of bone loss. Both adipocytes and bone forming osteoblasts develop in a completive fashion from a common bone precursor cell type called a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). Our research will examine the role that a chemical signal termed chemerin plays in the formation of adipocytes and osteoblasts from MSCs. We propose that interfering with the interaction of this signal with its receptor CMKLR1 will provide a new approach to treating chronic disorders of bone loss such as osteoporosis.