Schematic illustration of the regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast formation by osteocytes

Increased production of sclerostin by osteocytes inhibits Wnt signaling and thereby suppresses the differentiation of osteoblasts from MSC. Osteocyte-derived RANKL, on the other hand, stimulates osteoclastogenesis from HSC. This allows osteocytes to independently alter the rate of remodeling and the balance between formation and resorption in response to mechanical needs or hormonal changes.