Protein discovery could lead to new options for osteoporosis

A protein has been found to be integral to the onset of osteoporosis in older women.

HIF1 alpha plays an important role in the development of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women says research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.

Experts already knew that reduced oestrogen levels after menopause speeds up the process of osteoclastic bone resorption, meaning that bone cells are broken down quicker than they are formed, leading to osteoporosis. The new research indicates that HIF1 alpha protein in osteoclasts becomes more active in the absence of oestrogen and accelerates bone loss.

Scientists will target the HIF1 alpha protein in the quest for new therapies.