The contribution of bone to whole-organism physiology

• Published in: Nature (London) Vol. 481; no. 7381; pp. 314 - 320
• Main Authors: Karsenty, Gérard, Ferron, Mathieu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 19.01.2012; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 631/208/200; 631/443/319/333/1465; 692/699/2743/316; Animals; Appetite - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Biology; Bone and Bones - pathology; Bone and Bones - physiology; Bone Diseases - metabolism; Bone Diseases - pathology; Energy Metabolism; Evolution; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gene expression; Genes; Homeostasis; Humanities and Social Sciences; Humans; Leptin - metabolism; multidisciplinary; Organ Specificity; Osteocalcin - metabolism; Osteoporosis; Physiological aspects; Physiological Phenomena; Physiology; Proteins; review-article; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Serotonin; Skeleton and joints; Tumors; Vertebrates: osteoarticular system, musculoskeletal system; United States; Pancreatic hormone; Energy metabolism; Osteocalcin; Serotonin; Rodentia; Review; Insulin; Osteoarticular system; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Bone mass; Mouse; Fertility; Leptin; Hormonal regulation; Neurotransmitter; Physiology; Skeleton; Bone
• ISSN: 0028-0836; 1476-4687; 1476-4687
• DOI: 10.1038/nature10763

The mouse genetic revolution has shown repeatedly that most organs have more functions than expected. This has led to the realization that, in addition to a molecular and cellular approach, there is a need for a whole-organism study of physiology. The skeleton is an example of how a whole-organism approach to physiology can broaden the functions of a given organ, reveal connections of this organ with others such as the brain, pancreas and gut, and shed new light on the pathogenesis of degenerative diseases affecting multiple organs.