[Recent progress on osteocyte research].

Content of osteocyte in bone tissue is the most abundant, the most widely distributed, and embedding the cells in the mineralized bone matrix, the life can be close to the life of the body. Osteocyte formed by the cytoplasm dendritic communication network system between osteocyte and bone surface, is of great significance to maintaining the normal physiological function of bone tissue. Bone cells as the direct receptor of bone mechanical stress, through the release of bioactive factors such as PEG2, NO, ATP and classic Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway mechanical stress signal can be converted to bone formation and bone resorption of biochemical signals, and the biochemical signals were transfer to the other type cells of the tissue to regulate its function activities and cause bone reconstruction function. The microcracks surrounding osteocyte can disrupt the microtubule network system,cause surrounding osteocyte autophagy. In addition, osteocyte is very important for regulation of the body mineral balance, fat metabolism, and hematopoietic function.