Sclerostin
Sclerostin
Sclerostin (pronounced skle-ro-stin) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SOST gene. It is a secreted glycoprotein with a crucial role in bone metabolism.
Etymology
The term "Sclerostin" is derived from the Greek words "skleros," meaning hard, and "stēnai," meaning to narrow. This is in reference to the protein's role in bone hardening.
Function
Sclerostin is a negative regulator of bone growth. It is produced by osteocytes, which are mature bone cells. Sclerostin binds to LRP5 and LRP6 on the cell surface, inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway, which is involved in bone growth and development.
Clinical significance
Mutations in the SOST gene that reduce the production of sclerostin can lead to a rare genetic disorder called sclerosteosis, which causes excessive bone growth. Conversely, high levels of sclerostin can lead to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sclerostin
- Wikipedia's article - Sclerostin
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