Periostin Dynamics in Bone and Periodontal Tissues

Periostin is a secreted matricellular protein abundantly expressed in the periosteum, periodontal ligament and other collagen‐rich matrices that bear mechanical load. It orchestrates tissue integrity and repair by binding to cell‐surface integrins, modulating key intracellular pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, focal adhesion kinase and MAPK. In bone, periostin supports osteoblast recruitment, differentiation and extracellular matrix cross-linking, thereby enhancing both appositional growth and microarchitectural resilience. In periodontal tissues, it sustains ligament homeostasis under occlusal forces, directs fibroblast proliferation and guides mechanochemical coupling essential for regeneration. Periostin also regulates osteoclastogenesis indirectly through effects on osteoprotegerin and RANKL balance, linking bone resorption to matrix remodelling. Dysregulation of periostin expression or splice variant distribution contributes to pathologies such as osteoporosis, impaired fracture healing and periodontal disease, highlighting its global significance as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have elucidated periostin’s role in augmenting osteogenesis through Wnt/β-catenin signalling in modified mesenchymal stem cells. In a bone defect model, periostin upregulated lipoprotein‐related protein-6 phosphorylation, inhibited glycogen synthase kinase-3β activity and elevated β-catenin levels, thereby promoting osteoblastic differentiation and matrix deposition via integrin αvβ3 engagement. Complementary work has demonstrated that periostin is essential for the anabolic response to mechanical loading, where its absence blunts bone formation and impairs suppression of sclerostin, underscoring a mechanotransduction axis critical for adaptive remodelling.

Periostin Dynamics in Bone and Periodontal Tissues publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in periostin dynamics in bone and periodontal tissues across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Matricellular protein: A non-structural extracellular molecule that modulates cell–matrix interactions and signalling without forming fibrillar scaffolds.

Extracellular matrix (ECM): A complex network of proteins and polysaccharides that provides structural support and biochemical cues to cells.

Osteoblast: A bone‐forming cell responsible for secreting and mineralising new extracellular matrix.

Osteoclast: A multinucleated cell specialised in bone resorption, regulating matrix turnover.

Integrin αvβ3: A transmembrane receptor that binds periostin, transmitting mechanical and biochemical signals into the cell.

Wnt/β-catenin signalling: A pathway in which Wnt ligands stabilise β-catenin, promoting transcriptional programmes for cell proliferation and differentiation.

Splice variant: An alternative form of mRNA and protein generated by differential exon inclusion, often conferring distinct functional properties.

References

1. Periostin Upregulates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling to Promote the Osteogenesis of CTLA4-Modified Human Bone Marrow-Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Scientific Reports (2017).
2. The Matricellular Protein Periostin Is Required for Sost Inhibition and the Anabolic Response to Mechanical Loading and Physical Activity*. Journal of Biological Chemistry (2009).
3. Research progress of periostin and osteoporosis. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2024).
4. Mechanochemical coupling of MGF mediates periodontal regeneration. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine (2023).
5. Periostin Splice Variant Expression in Human Osteoblasts from Osteoporotic Patients and Its Effects on Interleukin-6 and Osteoprotegerin. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2025).