Signaling Dynamics in Osteogenesis: Unraveling Therapeutic Targets for Bone Generation

Diseases affecting bone encompass a spectrum of disorders, from prevalent conditions such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease, collectively impacting millions, to rare genetic disorders including Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). While several classes of drugs, such as bisphosphonates, synthetic hormones, and antibodies, are utilized in the treatment of bone diseases, their efficacy is often curtailed by issues of tolerability and high incidence of adverse effects. Developing therapeutic agents for bone diseases is hampered by the fact that numerous pathways regulating bone metabolism also perform pivotal functions in other organ systems. Consequently, the selection of an appropriate target is a complicated process despite the significant demand for novel medications to address bone diseases. Research has shown the role of various cell signaling pathways, including Wnt, PTHR1, CASR, BMPRs, OSCAR, and TWIST1, in the regulation of osteogenesis, bone remodeling, and homeostasis. Disruptions in bone homeostasis can result in decreased bone density and the onset of osteoporosis. There remains a need for the development of drugs that can enhance bone remodeling with improved side effects profiles. The exploration of promising targets to stimulate bone formation has the potential to significantly advance the field of bone-related medical care, thereby improving the quality of life for millions. Additionally, a deeper understanding of anabolic and catabolic pathway mechanisms could enable future studies to explore synergistic effects between unrelated pathways. Herein, we explore potential drug targets that may be exploited therapeutically using small molecule agonists or antagonists to promote bone remodeling and discuss their advantages and limitations.