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Regulatory Network of Bone Metabolism
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Regulatory Network of Bone Metabolism

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 8616

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Kazunori Hamamura

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, 1-100 Kusumoto-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8650, Japan
Interests: glycosylation; glycosphingolipids; bone metabolism; malignant properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bone is metabolized via bone formation and resorption, which is known as bone remodeling. In bone remodeling, osteoblasts are bone-forming cells derived from mesenchymal stem cells, while osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells derived from macrophages. Bone metabolism is a cooperative process by both the osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in our understanding of the regulatory networks governing bone metabolism. We invite the submission of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that explore the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways underlying bone homeostasis, the role of genetics and other cellular factors in bone metabolism, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Prof. Dr. Kazunori Hamamura
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • osteoblasts
  • osteoclasts
  • osteocytes
  • mesenchymal stem cells
  • bone metabolism
  • bone formation
  • bone resorption

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 7608 KB  
Article
Intestinal Microbiota Mediates the Beneficial Effects of γ-Polyglutamic Acid on Calcium Homeostasis and Bone Properties in Lambs
by Xingfu Zhang, Lili Guo, Yabo Zhao, Wurilege Wei, Jing Zhang, Lingli Dai, Bin Yang, Zaixia Liu, Xu Wang, Chen Bai, Ruiping Du, Manman Tong, Shuyi Li, Jianmeng Wang, Yanyong Sun and Liwen Song
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2373; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052373 - 4 Mar 2026
Viewed by 197
Abstract
Optimizing calcium metabolism is crucial for skeletal development and overall productivity in growing ruminants. Twenty-four Sunite lambs were randomly assigned to four groups and fed 0, 0.6, 1.2, or 2.4 g/(d·head) of γ-PGA for 60 days. Growth performance, serum parameters, duodenal morphology and [...] Read more.
Optimizing calcium metabolism is crucial for skeletal development and overall productivity in growing ruminants. Twenty-four Sunite lambs were randomly assigned to four groups and fed 0, 0.6, 1.2, or 2.4 g/(d·head) of γ-PGA for 60 days. Growth performance, serum parameters, duodenal morphology and calcium transporter expression, bone microarchitecture, and duodenal microbiota were analyzed. Supplementation with 1.2 g/(d·head) of γ-PGA (the M group) yielded optimal results, significantly improving final body weight and size. It enhanced duodenal health, evidenced by increased villus height, crypt depth, and microvilli density. Crucially, this dose significantly upregulated the expression of key duodenal calcium transporters (TRPV5/6, CaBPD9k, PMCA, VDR, claudin-12) and altered systemic calcium-regulating hormones (elevated calcitriol, PTH, FGF23). Bone micro-CT analysis revealed changes in trabecular architecture indicative of active remodeling. 16S rRNA sequencing and weighted OTU co-expression network analysis (WOCNA) revealed that γ-PGA reshaped the duodenal microbiota and identified core microbial modules strongly associated with host phenotypes. Genera such as [Eubacterium]_ruminantium_group, Fusicatenibacter, and Prevotella emerged as central hubs. In conclusion, dietary γ-PGA at 1.2 g/(d·head) enhances calcium absorption and bone metabolism in lambs through a coordinated modulation of intestinal integrity and calcium transport, systemic endocrine responses, and the duodenal microbial community, with specific microbiota identified as potential key mediators associated with these effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulatory Network of Bone Metabolism)
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Review

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20 pages, 976 KB  
Review
Research Progress on Dance Training as a Mechanical Stimulus for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis: A Narrative Review
by Yunli Jia, Fan Yu and Wei Wu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2185; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052185 - 26 Feb 2026
Viewed by 284
Abstract
From a mechanical stimulation perspective, this study aims to explore the mechanisms by which dance training affects bone metabolism and to clarify its potential as a preventive and therapeutic measure for osteoporosis (OP). A comprehensive search was conducted on the PubMed, Web of [...] Read more.
From a mechanical stimulation perspective, this study aims to explore the mechanisms by which dance training affects bone metabolism and to clarify its potential as a preventive and therapeutic measure for osteoporosis (OP). A comprehensive search was conducted on the PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, utilizing search terms related to dance, mechanical stimulation, and OP. The present study incorporated a wide range of research methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, and narrative reviews, with the overarching objective of encompassing all pertinent concepts within the purview of our investigation. The synthesis and description of the search results were conducted through a narrative approach. A preliminary investigation of extant literature suggests that studies that comprehensively delineate the mechanism of action between dance and OP are few and far between. However, a thorough review of the extant literature indicates that dance training can enhance bone density and promote skeletal health by influencing mechanical characteristics. Concurrently, dance can function as a mechanical stimulus, thereby regulating bone metabolism by activating relevant cellular signaling pathways, thus contributing to the reduction of bone loss. Dance training, as a form of mechanical stimulation, has the potential to play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of OP. However, the precise nature of the dance styles, the training intensities and frequencies remains unclear. It is recommended that future research endeavors concentrate on the comprehensive integration of these measures, with the objective of addressing the existing knowledge gaps. This approach is expected to provide a more robust evidence base for the utilization of dance-based strategies in the prevention and management of OP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulatory Network of Bone Metabolism)
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15 pages, 1206 KB  
Review
Bone Metabolic Changes and Osteoporosis During Pregnancy and Lactation: A View from Dental Medicine
by Mai Nishiura, Haruhisa Watanabe, Atsuko Nakanishi-Kimura, Marie Hoshi-Numahata, Shinnosuke Nishimoto, Fumi Ueno, Riyu Koguchi, Ryutaro Takemoto, Yusuke Kurakane, Lang Bao and Tadahiro Iimura
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10476; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110476 - 28 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2810
Abstract
Pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) is receiving increasing attention. During pregnancy and lactation, bone metabolism is dramatically changed to supply minerals to the fetus and infant, which is a major cause of PLO. Weaning of lactation is clinically a primary choice to treat [...] Read more.
Pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) is receiving increasing attention. During pregnancy and lactation, bone metabolism is dramatically changed to supply minerals to the fetus and infant, which is a major cause of PLO. Weaning of lactation is clinically a primary choice to treat lactation-induced osteoporosis since breastfeeding is a key regulator of the pathophysiology during lactation. However, breastfeeding is beneficial to the physical and mental development of infants. We also discuss the beneficial effects of breastfeeding on the oral and maxillofacial development of infants. Pharmacological treatment of PLO is also discussed. This review also discusses how dynamic regulatory changes in bone metabolism during pregnancy and lactation affect homeostasis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and alveolar bone in mothers, from the perspectives of TMJ diseases and orthodontic treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulatory Network of Bone Metabolism)
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28 pages, 1081 KB  
Review
The Role of Cytokines in Orthodontic Tooth Movement
by Hideki Kitaura, Fumitoshi Ohori, Aseel Marahleh, Jinghan Ma, Angyi Lin, Ziqiu Fan, Kohei Narita, Kou Murakami and Hiroyasu Kanetaka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6688; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146688 - 11 Jul 2025
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4747
Abstract
A challenge in orthodontic treatment is the long time taken to move teeth, which extends the long treatment period. Accordingly, various treatment protocols and orthodontic materials have been developed to shorten the orthodontic treatment period. However, controlling biological reactions is considered necessary to [...] Read more.
A challenge in orthodontic treatment is the long time taken to move teeth, which extends the long treatment period. Accordingly, various treatment protocols and orthodontic materials have been developed to shorten the orthodontic treatment period. However, controlling biological reactions is considered necessary to further shorten this treatment period. Orthodontic force results in compression of the periodontal ligament in the direction of tooth movement, resulting in various reactions in the periodontal ligament that induce osteoclast development, alveolar bone absorption, and teeth movement. The aforementioned reactions include immune reactions. Cytokines are substances responsible for intercellular communication and are involved in various physiological actions, including immune and inflammatory reactions. They cause various cellular responses, including cell proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and functional expression. Various cytokines are involved in biological reactions during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). It is important to understand the role of cytokines during OTM in order to elucidate their biological response. This review discusses the role of cytokines during OTM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulatory Network of Bone Metabolism)
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