Osteoblasts and clasts were primary targets for the understanding of bone biopathology. In recent years, evidence has shifted attention to the osteocytes. The biology of induced tooth movement and jaw orthopedics should research the role of osteocytes and the specific effects of mediators such as RANKL and sclerostin. The sclerostin represents a regulatory molecule: When more bone is necessary, osteocytes release less sclerostin, when it is necessary to inhibit bone formation, osteocytes release more sclerostin. RANKL is connected to local osteoclastogenesis in order to have more cells capable of reabsorbing the mineralized matrix. New therapeutic ways of controlling the metabolic bone diseases have been targeted at these mediators.
Osteocytes; Mechanotransduction; Tooth movement; Sclerostin; RANKL
