Role of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the process of differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells into osteoblasts

► Farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4) is expressed in BMSC and SaOS2 osteoblast-like cells. ► FXR agonists increase osteoblastic differentiation through RUNX2 activation. ► Bisphosphonates inhibit basal osteoblastic differentiation possibly through suppression of endogenous FXR agonist production. ► FXR antagonist interferes with osteoblastic differentiation and stimulates the expression of adipose tissue markers. ► FXR may be involved in the modulation of the osteoblast/adipocyte balance.