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Key bone cell regulator linked to osteoporosis
IRAK-M appears to be an important signaling molecule in the prevention of bone loss.
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Scientists at the Yale School of Medicine identified a molecule in osteoclasts, IRAK-M, as a key regulator of bone mass, according to a press release.
The research on osteoporosis, led by associate professor Agnes Vignery in the department of orthopedics and rehabilitation, focused on IRAK-M (interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase M), an intracellular signaling molecule previously found only in macrophages and in circulating white blood cells.
Their theory was that if IRAK-M were maintained as macrophages fuse to form osteoclasts, it would block later steps in the signal pathway and keep osteoclasts from growing out of control.
“IRAK-M appears to be a key signaling molecule in the prevention of bone loss,” Vignery said. “In normal mice, the level of IRAK-M in osteoclasts is high compared to what is found in macrophages - and bones are well maintained. Mice that lack IRAK-M develop severe osteoporosis.”
The study was done with male mice, and possible association between sex hormones and the expression of IRAK-M remain to be investigated, according to Vignery. “For now, IRAK-M looks like an exciting new target for treating or preventing the devastation of osteoporosis and other localized problems of bone loss.”
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For more information:
- Hongmei L, Esteban C, Weiguo C, et. al. IL-1 receptor-associated kinase M is a central regulator of osteoclast differentiation and activation. J Exp Med. 2005; 201:1169-1177.