Using Genetically Engineered Mouse Models to Study Wnt Signaling in Bone Development and Disease

The skeleton supports the body structure and reserves calcium and other inorganic ions, and more roles played by bone are being proposed. The balance between bone formation (by osteoblasts and osteocytes) and bone resorption (by osteoclasts) controls postnatal bone homeostasis. For the past decade, a vast amount of evidence has shown that Wnt signaling plays a pivotal role in regulating this balance. Therefore, understanding how the Wnt signaling pathway regulates skeletal development and postnatal homeostasis is of great value for human skeletal health. We will review how genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have been and are being used to uncover the mechanisms and etiology of bone diseases in the context of Wnt signaling.