{"id":159,"date":"2025-05-19T07:12:53","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T14:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scienceblog.com\/sciencechina\/?p=159"},"modified":"2025-05-19T07:12:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T14:12:53","slug":"scientists-find-protein-that-could-upend-osteoporosis-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scienceblog.com\/sciencechina\/2025\/05\/19\/scientists-find-protein-that-could-upend-osteoporosis-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Scientists Find Protein That Could Upend Osteoporosis Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

A protein previously known for its role in brain and reproductive function may offer new hope for millions suffering from osteoporosis, according to a groundbreaking study published in Bone Research<\/em><\/a> last month. Scientists have discovered that Neural EGFL-like 2 (NELL2) plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health\u2014potentially opening the door to a new generation of treatments that not only prevent bone loss but actually stimulate new bone formation.<\/p>\n

The research, conducted by scientists from Tianjin Medical University in China, reveals that NELL2 levels decrease with age and during menopause, precisely when osteoporosis risk increases. When researchers restored NELL2 in laboratory mice with osteoporosis, the animals showed significant improvements in bone density and quality.<\/p>\n

Osteoporosis affects approximately 90 million people in China alone, with postmenopausal women being particularly vulnerable. The condition occurs when bone breakdown outpaces bone formation, leading to fragility and heightened fracture risk.<\/p>\n

A Dual-Action Protein for Bone Health<\/h2>\n

What makes NELL2 particularly interesting is its dual beneficial effects. The protein simultaneously promotes bone-forming osteoblast cells while inhibiting the formation of fat cells in bone marrow\u2014a double advantage for maintaining healthy bones.<\/p>\n

In their experiments, researchers found that mice lacking NELL2 in bone-forming cells developed thinner bones with increased marrow fat, mirroring the pattern seen in human osteoporosis. Conversely, when NELL2 was delivered to osteoporotic mice using gene therapy techniques, both bone density increased and marrow fat decreased.<\/p>\n

The researchers also discovered that NELL2 levels were lower in the blood of postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis compared to those with normal bone density, suggesting potential diagnostic applications.<\/p>\n

How NELL2 Works Inside Bone Cells<\/h3>\n

The study uncovered the precise molecular mechanism through which NELL2 affects bone cells. The protein binds to another protein called Fibronectin 1 on the cell surface, which then activates a signaling pathway involving focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and protein kinase B (AKT)\u2014both known to be critical for bone formation.<\/p>\n

This signaling cascade ultimately increases the expression of key bone-forming genes while suppressing fat cell development genes. The researchers confirmed this pathway through various experimental approaches, including:<\/p>\n