Skeletal biology: Where matrix meets mineral

Abstract

The skeleton is unique from all other tissues in the body because of its ability to mineralize. The incorporation of mineral into bones and teeth is essential to give them strength and structure for body support and function. For years, researchers have wondered how mineralized tissues form and repair. A major focus in this context has been on the role of the extracellular matrix, which harbors key regulators of the mineralization process. In this introductory minireview, we will review some key concepts of matrix biology as it related to mineralized tissues. Concurrently, we will highlight the subject of this special issue covering many aspects of mineralized tissues, including bones and teeth and their associated structures cartilage and tendon. Areas of emphasis are on the generation and analysis of new animal models with permutations of matrix components as well as the development of new approaches for tissue engineering for repair of damaged hard tissue. In assembling key topics on mineralized tissues written by leaders in our field, we hope the reader will get a broad view of the topic and all of its fascinating complexities.

Fig. 1

Schematic of of a skull depicting key mineralized tissues including a tooth with enamel, dentin and roots, masseter tendon, alveolar bone in the jaw, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the intervertebral disc (IVD). Key cell components of bone are shown in the lower right corner that include the multinuclear osteoclast (blue), the osteocyte (black) and the osteoblast (green). Commonly fractured bones in the face are shown as zigzag lines behind and below the eye socket in the zygomatic arch. Illustration is by David Kirby, co-first author, on the paper in this special edition by Myren et al.