Molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of sex steroids on bone and mineral metabolism

The multifarious functions of sex steroid receptors include a role as regulatory factors for bone and mineral metabolism in vivo. These functions are more complex than originally assumed. The finding of nuclear receptors in osseous tissue alludes to the existence of novel indirect and direct functions of bone tissue beyond skeletal support, hematopoiesis, and calcium homeostasis. Cell-specific gene targeting approaches are an extremely important technology for future studies that will need to be conducted to fully understand the molecular mechanisms underlying bone formation and metabolism. © 2009 The Japanese Society for Bone and Mineral Research and Springer.