Functional roles of osteoactivin in normal and disease processes.

Osteoactivin (OA) protein was discovered in bone cells a decade ago. Recent literature suggests that osteoactivin is crucial for the differentiation and functioning of different cell types, including bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclast cells. Here, we review the literature to date on various regulatory functions of osteoactivin, as well as its discovery, structure, expression, and function in different tissues and cells. The transcriptional regulation of osteoactivin and its mechanism of action in normal and diseased conditions with special emphasis on bone are also covered in this review. In addition, we touch on the therapeutic potential of osteoactivin in cancer and bone diseases.