Cx43 Overexpression in Osteocytes Prevents Osteocyte Apoptosis and Preserves Cortical Bone Quality in Aging Mice

Young, skeletally mature mice lacking Cx43 in osteocytes exhibit increased osteocyte apoptosis and decreased bone strength, resembling the phenotype of old mice. Further, the expression of Cx43 in bone decreases with age, suggesting a contribution of reduced Cx43 levels to the age‐related changes in the skeleton. We report herein that Cx43 overexpression in osteocytes achieved by using the DMP1‐8kb promoter (Cx43 OT mice) attenuates the skeletal...