Central control of bone remodelling

Commensal microbe effects on alveolar bone homeostasis have been attributed to the oral microbiota, yet the impact of commensal gut microbes is unknown. Studies performed with segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) monoassociated mice revealed commensal gut microbes modulate osteoimmune responses and skeletal homeostasis in alveolar bone. This work challenges the current paradigm that alveolar bone health is strictly regulated by oral microbes.

Mutations in human PIEZO2, encoding for a mechanosensitive ion channel, lead to skeletal abnormalities including scoliosis and hip dysplasia. Here, the authors show that deletion of Piezo2 in proprioceptive neurons, but not in skeletal lineages, recapitulated the human phenotype in mice.

The balance between osteoclast and osteoblast-mediated bone turnover is essential for bone health and homeostasis. Here the authors show that both germline and osteoblast-specificSmurf2-deficient mice have osteoporosis as a result of increased osteoblast RANKL production and excess osteoclastogenesis.