Glucocorticoid effects on bone: The role of the osteoblast
Summary
Glucocorticoid effects on bone: The role of the osteoblast
Supervisor(s)
Associate Professor Hong Zhou, Professor Markus Seibel
Research Location
Concord - ANZAC Research Institute
Program Type
Masters/PHD
Synopsis
Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) have both catabolic and anabolic effects on bone cells. However, the precise mechanisms of these seemingly disparate actions and their phenotypic consequences - bone loss and osteoporosis on the one side versus osteoblast differentiation on the other side - are still poorly understood. Using a transgenic mouse model of osteoblast-targeted pre-receptor disruption of GC-signalling we have recently made three key discoveries: firstly, mature osteoblasts direct mesenchymal progenitor (MP) cell lineage commitment; secondly, this control is achieved through the secretion of soluble signalling molecules by the osteoblast; thirdly, the secretion of these mediators is regulated by GCs acting on the mature osteoblast. Project hypothesis: GCs govern MP cell lineage commitment by regulating the expression of Wnt proteins in mature osteoblasts through transcriptional control. Project aims:
- Establish the role of Wnt/ï¢-catenin signalling in MP cell lineage commitment.
- Determine if GCs directly control Wnt gene transcription in mature osteoblasts.
- Determine if GCs interact with other transcriptional factors to regulate Wnt gene transcription in osteoblasts.
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Keywords
Glucocorticoids induced osteoporosis., Glucocorticoids, Bone, osteoblast, mesenchymal stem cells, wnt signaling, Movement disorders, Cell biology, Movement, Pharmacology & therapeutics
Opportunity ID
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 252
Other opportunities with Associate Professor Hong Zhou
- The Role of Endogenous Glucocorticoids in Autoimmune Arthritis
- The Role of the Osteoblast in Mediating Glucocorticoid-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction
Other opportunities with Professor Markus Seibel