Review paper
Sclerostin – new target for bone anabolic therapy in low bone mass

Sclerostin is a potent protein secreted by osteocyte which can inhibit bone formation. A new locus was identified near SOST gene at 17q21 which it encodes. Sclerostin directly binds low density lipoprotein co-receptors Lrp5 and Lrp6 and modulates both bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway. Probably this is the crucial importance for osteogenesis and has probably been the most intensively studied signaling pathway in bone metabolism in recent years. Although much progress has been made in the molecular understanding of bone metabolism in recent years, no therapy is available yet to cure low bone mass and to protect fractures. Many of the current approaches to identify potential therapeutic targets are focused on the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway.