Targeted Deletion of the Sclerostin Gene in Mice Results in Increased Bone Formation and Bone Strength

Abstract

SOST KO mice have a high bone mass phenotype characterized by marked increases in BMD, bone volume, bone formation, and bone strength. These results show that sclerostin is a key negative regulator of a powerful, evolutionarily conserved bone formation pathway that acts on both trabecular and cortical bone.