Importance of selected proteins of compact bone tissue in poultry

Within modern poultry lines, the integrity of the skeleton is subjected to increasing genetic and production stress, which in many cases leads to different health problems of the skeletal system, including problems with osteoporosis and the development of fractures. The role of genetics in bone integrity has been demonstrated by several studies, while the knowledge gained from the targeted study of genes, i.e., proteins that play an important role in bone metabolism, is of great value both for skeletal health and may provide new clues to the biological processes underlying diseases leading to the weakening of the bones. In addition to summarizing basic knowledge about bone metabolism, this review provides insight into the structure and function of proteins that are part of compact bone tissue, focusing on noncollagenous proteins and proteins that are encoded by genes involved in signaling pathways that play an important role in bone metabolism.