Osteocyte specific proteins such as sclerostin have been shown to function in mineral metabolism, as well as other molecules such as PHEX, DMP-1, MEPE, and FGF-23, which are highly expressed by osteocytes and regulate phosphate and biomineralization [REF].
The osteocyte is an important regulator of bone mass and a key endocrine regulator of phosphate metabolism [REF].