Regulation of bone homeostasis by glucose

Abstract

Synthesis of type Ⅰ collagen, a major component of the bone matrix, precedes the expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2), a master regulator in osteoblast differentiation. Thus, a direct link between osteoblast differentiation and bone formation is seemingly absent, and how these are maintained in a coordinated matter remains unclear. It was recently demonstrated that osteoblasts depend on glucose, which glucose transporter type 1(GLUT1)takes up as an energy source, and it was found that glucose uptake promotes osteoblast differentiation and bone formation via AMP-activated protein kinase. It was also shown that Runx2 upregulates GLUT1 expression, and this Runx2-GLUT1 feedforward regulation integrates and coordinates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation throughout life. These previous findings revealed that the energy metabolism balance in osteoblasts integrates the differentiation and function of osteoblasts, and re-emphasized the importance of crosstalk between bone and sugar metabolism.