Sclerostin: clinical insights in muscle–bone crosstalk

Abstract

Sclerostin, a protein encoded by the sclerostin ( SOST) gene, is mostly expressed in osteocytes. First described in the pathogenesis of three disorders, sclerosteosis, van Buchem’s disease, and craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, sclerostin has been identified as an important regulator of bone homeostasis, controlling bone formation by osteoblasts through inhibition of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Recent studies have highlighted a hypothetical role of sclerostin in myogenesis, thus modulating the interaction between bone and muscle. This narrative review provides an overview of the clinical implications of sclerostin modulation on skeletal muscle mass and function, and bone metabolism. Improving knowledge about muscle–bone crosstalk may represent a turning point in the development of therapeutic strategies for musculoskeletal disorders, particularly osteosarcopenia.