Omd, or osteomodulin, is a proteoglycan involved in extracellular matrix mineralization [1]. It plays a role in bone and cartilage metabolism by affecting the microarchitectures of bone and cartilage, and is associated with subchondral bone sclerosis, a main feature of osteoarthritis (OA) [1].

Using Omd knockout and overexpressing male mice, researchers found that Omd expression is closely related to bone volume, the onset of subchondral bone sclerosis, and spontaneous cartilage lesions [1]. Mechanistically, Omd binds to RANKL and inhibits osteoclastogenesis, thus controlling the balance of bone remodeling [1].

In conclusion, Omd is a key factor in subchondral bone sclerosis associated with OA. Through in vivo studies using gene knockout mouse models, it has been revealed that Omd participates in bone and cartilage homeostasis by regulating osteoclastogenesis, suggesting that targeting Omd could be a new approach for OA treatment [1].

References:

1. Zappia, Jérémie, Tong, Qiao, Van der Cruyssen, Renée, Sanchez, Christelle, Henrotin, Yves. 2023. Osteomodulin downregulation is associated with osteoarthritis development. In Bone research, 11, 49. doi:10.1038/s41413-023-00286-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37730805/