Glucose metabolism in skeletal cells: implications for fracture healing

Bone is a highly dynamic tissue that relies on the balanced remodeling activity of bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts to maintain its structure and function. Disturbances in cellular activity are associated with several types of skeletal disease, including osteoporosis, which is a metabolic bone disease that is characterized by low bone mass, uncoupled bone remodeling, enhanced skeletal fragility, and accumulation of bone marrow adipocytes. Recent studies have revealed an intimate link between metabolism and skeletal cell function during bone development. Whether metabolic properties are disturbed during bone pathology and how it contributes to cellular dysfunction remains poorly studied and will be the prime focus of this project.