Molecular Basis of Osteoblast Differentiation and Related Transcription Factors

Dear Colleagues,

Bone is a dynamic and metabolically active tissue constantly responding to environmental changes such as nutritional and mechanical stress. A balanced and concerted action of bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts maintains bone integrity and homeostasis. The dysregulation of osteoblast differentiation and function can cause inadequate bone formation, leading to the development of debilitating bone diseases. Osteogenic differentiation is a complex and still poorly understood biological process regulated by intrinsic cellular signals and extrinsic micro-environmental cues. Osteoblasts are produced by the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells through a tightly regulated multistep process, driven by several transcription factors and signaling proteins. Several local and systemic factors, including hormones, cytokines, chemokines, affect osteoblast transcriptional activities involving epigenetic factors and extracellular vesicles. Understanding the complex biological and molecular mechanisms influencing osteoblast pathophysiology is a key research topic in bone biology.

The Special Issue “Molecular Basis of Osteoblast Differentiation and Related Transcription Factors” will include a selection of original research articles and reviews on the molecular mechanisms regulating osteoblast differentiation and function, identifying new molecular players that could provide valuable therapeutic targets to prevent or reverse bone disease. Furthermore, studies on the identification of natural compounds or new drugs capable of improving osteoblast differentiation and activity are welcome.

Dr. Nadia Calabriso
Dr. Maria Annunziata Carluccio
Guest Editors

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• osteogenesis
• mesenchymal stem cells
• osteoblast
• osteoblast differentiation
• bone diseases
• transcription factors
• epigenetics
• extracellular vesicles
• inflammatory mediators
• bioactive natural compounds