Cross-talk between Src kinases and Rho small GTPases regulates biomineralization and simplify imaging of the mineralization process

Abstract

The process of physiological mineralization that occurs during bone ossification is a tightly regulated cascade of molecular events leading to formation of bony skeleton. Its deregulation associated with aging leads to pathological mineralization not only in osseous but also in soft tissues. Recent discoveries in the field of bone biology indicate the participation of the Src family of tyrosine kinases as well as the Rho family of small GTPases in mineral formation. Cross-talk between these two signaling pathways is activated during an early step of the mineralization process, and leads to reorganization of the cytoskeleton of mineralization-competent cells and to matrix vesicles release. The understanding of mechanisms of the cross-talk between Src kinases and Rho small GTPases that regulate the mineralization process is crucial for the development of novel simply imaging techniques and therapeutic strategies in relation to pathological mineralization.