Bioactive sclerostin is a glycoprotein primarily secreted by osteocytes in bone tissue and plays a pivotal role in bone metabolism. It functions as a key inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is essential for promoting osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. By binding to LRP5/6 co-receptors, bioactive sclerostin suppresses osteoblastic activity, thus reducing bone formation. The term “bioactive” refers specifically to the fraction of sclerostin that is functionally capable of interacting with its targets, distinguishing it from total or inactive forms detected in broader assays.
In the research setting, quantifying bioactive sclerostin is valuable for investigating bone biology, particularly in studies exploring the regulation of bone turnover, mechanical loading, or disuse-induced bone loss. It is frequently assessed in preclinical models of osteoporosis, bone healing, and metabolic bone diseases to understand the interplay between sclerostin expression and skeletal remodeling. Furthermore, it serves as a useful biomarker in mechanistic studies evaluating the efficacy of anabolic agents that aim to suppress sclerostin expression, such as anti-sclerostin monoclonal antibodies.
In the clinical context, bioactive sclerostin levels are being studied as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), and fracture risk. Therapeutic agents like romosozumab, a sclerostin-neutralizing antibody, have been developed to block sclerostin’s inhibitory effects, making accurate measurement of bioactive sclerostin increasingly relevant for monitoring therapeutic response. Its utility is especially significant in personalizing bone therapy and assessing treatment outcomes in populations at risk of skeletal fragility.
This product is manufactured in Austria by Biomedica.