Urocortin (UCN) is a member of the corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) family of peptides. CRF is a classic mediator of hypothalamic stress response with UCN playing a more anxiolytic role in this response. However, there is little information on the role of UCN in the physiology or pathology of bone. Combs et al. investigated the effects of UCN on the formation and function of osteoclasts. Their study demonstrated for the first time that UCN produces marked inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and function, indicating that it is a novel regulator of resorption and acts through a direct effect on osteoclasts and their precursor cells. The study also suggests that bone could contain a local UCN system that might modulate local and/or systemic bone resorption in response to as-yet unknown signals. Combs et al. (2012) Journal of Endocrinology 212 187-197.

Read the full article at DOI: 10.150/JOE-11-0254.