Endocrine function of osteocytes

Osteocytes represent the most abundant cell type of the skeletal system. They have access to a large cellular surface area within the lacuno-canalicular network. This network additionally provides connection to the vascular system, a prerequisite for secretion of endocrine regulators into the circulation. The best established endocrine function of the osteocyte network is the regulation of phosphate homeostasis by secretion of Fgf23, a hormone inhibiting renal phosphate reabsorption. Recently, several additional osteocyte-derived factors have been suggested to influence phosphate homeostasis, either directly or in an Fgf23-dependent manner. Moreover, osteocytes are also the major producers of Wnt signaling modulators, such as Sclerostin or Dkk1. Since these molecules primarily act as inhibitors of bone formation, there might be an additional influence of osteocyte-derived molecules on glucose handling and energy metabolism. In fact, osteo calcin, a long-known bone matrix protein and biomarker of bone formation, is now considered to act as a hormone controlling insulin production by pancreatic beta-cells and insulin sensitivity of target organs. Since the endocrine functions of osteocytes are only beginning to be uncovered, it appears likely that additional osteocyte-derived molecules with systemic influences on whole body homeostasis might be identified in the future.