Potential of 20 unexplored genes to be candidates for osteogenic regulators as novel therapeutic strategies in bone diseases

Background: Bone homeostasis is maintained by a balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. As a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis, a strategy of suppressing bone resorption by inhibiting the function of osteoclasts is used; however, long-term use causes problems, such as decreased formation of osteoblasts and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Therefore, various growth factors and hormones have been used to promote the proliferation of osteoblasts, but the current situation is that long-term use cannot be applied owing to issues such as carcinogenic risk. To establish an appropriate osteogenesis-promoting strategy, it is essential to ensure the fate of progenitor cells in the mature osteoblasts.
Purpose: To investigate potential osteogenic regulators based on published single-cell transcriptome data as an alternative approach to bone diseases treatment.
Methods: a systematic review using articles through several databases with descriptions related to various genes were identified based on single-cell transcriptome data as candidates for osteogenic regulators.
Results: 20 unexplored genes were identified based on single-cell transcriptome data as candidates for osteogenic regulators.
Conclusions: Increasing osteoblast activity through the promotion of osteoblast differentiation shows promise as a novel approach for treating bone-formation-related diseases.