Osteogenesis describes the process through which new bone tissue is generated. It plays a key role in maintaining the structural integrity of the skeletal system, in repairing damaged bones, and in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the body. The process of osteogenesis can be divided into two main types: intramembranous ossification and endochondral ossification. Intramembranous ossification primarily occurs during the development of the flat bones of the skull, facial bones, and clavicles. It starts with the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts, which are the bone-forming cells. Osteoblasts secrete an organic extracellular matrix called osteoid, which is rich in collagen fibres. Calcium and phosphate ions in the extracellular matrix mineralize, forming hydroxyapatite crystals, which give bone its hardness. Osteoblasts eventually become embedded in the mineralized matrix and differentiate into osteocytes, which are the mature bone cells. The result is the formation of flat bones directly from mesenchymal tissue. Endochondral ossification is the process by which most of the bones in the body are formed, including the long bones such as the femur and humerus. It begins with the differentiation of MSCs into chondrocytes, which form a cartilage model (hyaline cartilage) of the future bone. As the cartilage model grows, chondrocytes in the centre hypertrophy (enlarge) and begin to calcify the surrounding cartilage matrix. Blood vessels invade the calcified cartilage, bringing osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoclasts resorb the calcified cartilage, whilst osteoblasts deposit new bone matrix in its place. This process results in the formation of trabecular bone (spongy bone). Over time, osteoblasts continue to lay down bone around the trabeculae, creating compact bone on the outer surface. The growth plates at the ends of long bones (epiphyseal plates) are responsible for longitudinal bone growth. These plates eventually close as ossification progresses. The process of osteogenesis is controlled by a variety of hormones, signalling pathways and regulatory transcription factors. These include: 1) Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), a family of growth factors that play a crucial role in promoting the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. They stimulate osteogenesis by activating downstream signalling pathways, such as the Smad pathway; 2) Wnt signalling, involved in both intramembranous and endochondral ossification. Activation of Wnt signalling pathways promotes the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts; 3) Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin, hormones that help regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the blood, which are essential for bone formation. PTH stimulates osteoblast activity, whilst calcitonin inhibits bone resorption by osteoclasts; 4) Runx2 (also known as Cbfa1) is a transcription factor that controls the expression of genes associated with osteogenesis. It is essential for the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts. Finally, both hormones and mechanical loading play roles in bone formation. Sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, have a significant impact on bone health and osteogenesis. Estrogen, for example, helps maintain bone density in both males and females. Mechanical forces and weight-bearing activities also stimulate bone remodelling and osteogenesis. Bones adapt to such mechanical stress by increasing bone density in response to loading. We offer a large product catalogue of research reagents for investigating osteogenesis, including Fibronectin antibodies, SPARC antibodies, Osteopontin antibodies, Osteopontin ELISA Kits, and Fibronectin ELISA Kits. Explore our full osteogenesis product range below and discover more, for less.