Abstract
The skeletal system consists of over 200 bones to create a framework to support the body, and each bone displays a distinct shape and size depending on its anatomical location. The jawbone is a unique structure as it serves multiple functions in mastication and differs from other skeletal bones in several aspects. The jawbone originated from cranial neural crest cells and formed through primarily intramembranous ossification, whereas the axial and appendicular skeletons are derived from mesoderm and undergo endochondral ossification. The jawbone is constantly remodeled in response to the mechanical load during mastication. Additionally, some skeletal diseases are only present in the jawbone. Therefore, therapeutic methods used to treat most skeletal diseases may not apply to jawbone diseases.
Bone morphogenetic protein （BMP） signaling plays a critical role in the growth, differentiation and functions of osteoblasts in various in vitro and in vivo experiments. Recent studies have revealed that, however, BMP signaling exerts multiple functions in maintaining bone mass thorough regulation of cellular interaction between bone cells. Therefore, this review focuses on the unique features of the jawbone compared to the long bone and discusses the interaction between BMP signaling and mechano-sensing signaling in bone remodeling.
