Several osteoblast-secreted factors have paracrine and/or endocrine properties that are critical for local bone metabolism and in part even for systemic energy metabolism. Next to proteins and peptides, hydrophilic and lipophilic metabolites have emerged as signaling molecules that actively participate in multiple metabolic processes. Within the clinical research group, the overall goal of P6 is to define changes in osteoblast-derived hydrophilic and lipophilic metabolites that are altered in patients with early-onset low bone mineral density (BMD). The focus will be on metabolites with potential signaling properties that may influence molecular pathways controlling skeletal integrity and/or systemic metabolism. Overall, the results of P6 may lead to the identification of novel osteoanabolic molecules and/or signaling pathways. Moreover, our findings may contribute to the molecular understanding of pathogenic variants and may pinpoint towards non-genetic causes of early onset low BMD disorders.

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology