Cellular Contributors to Bone Homeostasis

Bone is a complex and dynamic tissue that, in addition to its biomechanical properties, harbors stem cells and precursor cells of the hematopoietic and immune system. The skeleton undergoes continuous remodeling processes to maintain proper bone homeostasis. The equilibrium and coupling of bone resorption with bone formation is fine-tuned by the controlled actions of distinct cell types: bone-forming osteoblasts, bone-resorbing osteoclasts, and osteocytes as key communicators. This ensures proper bone mass and quality. Under pathophysiological conditions, the impairment of these mechanisms triggers bone remodeling dysregulation, causing loss in bone mass and/or alteration in bone microarchitecture.