Biomineralization in health and disease
Biomineralisation, the process by which organisms produce mineralised tissues, is critical for the development of the skeleton and teeth. Bone functions as an endocrine organ, and bones also support the body, protect internal organs and serve as anchors to muscles to enable movement. In addition, hard teeth are required to tear and grind food. Bone and teeth share several mechanisms governing their development and mineralization. This Nature Reviews Endocrinology article series includes articles from leaders in the field, as well as key advances highlighted by journal editors, that focus on physiological and pathological aspects of the hormonal regulation of biomineralisation, covering aspects of fetal and neonatal development, osteoporosis and extraskeletal calcification.
