Molecular mechanisms of bone metastasis

For various types of solid tumors, bones are the most common location of metastases. Bone is a dynamic organ capable of simultaneously performing multiple auxiliary functions in the body. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts and their changes play a significant role in bone remodeling. Aim. To summarize current data on bone metastases for better understanding of biological nature of oncogenesis. The article analyzes recent scientific publications containing information on molecular mechanisms of metastasis into the bone from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), eLibrary and Google Scholar databases, as well as characterizes bone cells and their role in oncogenesis. Knowledge and deep understanding of bone metastasis in various solid tumors are necessary for development of accurate diagnostic methods and effective modern treatment of patients with bone metastases. Currently, the mechanisms of cancer metastasis and interactions between metastatic cancer cells and bone microenvironment are not completely understood. Epigenetic changes associated with differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts and cell signal transduction play a large role in bone remodeling in various malignant neoplasms. Increased bone resorption is caused by disbalance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoclast activity leads to release of growth factors from the bone matrix necessary for tumor cell multiplication in the bone.