A protein has been found to play a critical role in bone formation and strength in later life and may provide a new target for treatments for osteoporosis, scientists have said.
A report in the journal Nature Medicine reveals that an increase in activity of a protein called Notch leads to increased bone formation.
Correspondingly, when researchers 'knocked out' the function of Notch protein in bone cells in the laboratory, this resulted in a loss of bone, similar to that found in age-related osteoporosis in humans.
Dr Brendan Lee, professor of molecular and human genetics and paediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, suggested: "Loss of Notch signalling might relate to what happens when we get older."
The majority of broken bones among over-50s are due to osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Society.
However, studies have shown that calcium and vitamin D supplements can help to reduce the risk of broken bones in elderly people.
A protein has been found to play a critical role in bone formation and strength in later life and may provide a new target for treatments for osteoporosis, scientists have said.
