Chapter 14 - Bone Marrow Fat and Bone Mass

Abstract

For a century adipocytes have been noted in the bone marrow of mammals. And although fat cells have been considered an integral part of the bone marrow micro-environment, few believed these cells were physiologically active. However, the developmental, mechanical, and physiological components of adipogenesis within the trabecular niche have recently become the focus of investigation by several groups. Coincident with that attention, significant progress has been made in understanding the differentiation programs of osteoblasts and adipocytes, as well as their common ancestor, the mesenchymal stem cell. This review centers on current knowledge of the interaction between marrow fat and the skeleton. The focus is on mouse and human models, although conclusions may extend to other vertebrates.