Bone & Cartilage Biology

Genetic factors in Bone Development.

Genes and Bone Biology: A Reference Table for Orthodontics and Dentistry (updated October 2026)

This table brings together 1,501 genes and asks two questions of each: how has it been researched over the last ten years, and how relevant is it to bone biology? Each gene has a short description of what it does, a summary of research from roughly 2016 to 2026, and a bone-relevance rating of High, Moderate, Low or No known link. High-rated genes directly control bone formation, resorption, mineralisation or skeletal and craniofacial development. Examples are RUNX2, sclerostin (SOST), FGF23 and the RANK/RANKL/OPG system. Moderate-rated genes cause conditions with major skeletal, craniofacial or dental hard-tissue features, such as the Treacher Collins genes and the genes behind hypodontia and amelogenesis imperfecta. Low-rated genes affect bone or teeth indirectly, through hormones, inflammation, the kidney or muscle.

The original list has been expanded with 49 genes that are central to bone remodelling and of particular interest to orthodontists. These include RANKL, cathepsin K and osterix; PTH1R, the gene behind primary failure of eruption; PIEZO1, which senses orthodontic force; and genes linked to hypodontia and mandibular prognathism, such as PAX9, WNT10A and MYO1H. Major recent developments have been included, such as new treatments for achondroplasia, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva and X-linked hypophosphataemia. You can search by gene name, condition or topic, and filter by relevance rating or by newly added genes. The table is for education and reference only. The research summaries are condensed overviews, so please check the primary literature before citing them.

New genes added: these are the main drivers of bone remodelling and genes important in orthodontics that weren't in your list.

RANKL, cathepsin K, osterix, NFATC1, M-CSF.
PTH1R, the gene behind primary failure of eruption.
PIEZO1, which senses orthodontic force.
Periostin (POSTN), IL-1β (IL1B), COX-2 (PTGS2), BMP2, IHH, PTHrP (PTHLH) and the osteogenesis imperfecta genes from 2013 onwards.
MYO1H, which has been linked to mandibular prognathism.
PAX9, AXIN2 and WNT10A, three genes behind missing teeth.