Osteopontin Function — NDEB AFK MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — It is a non-collagenous protein that mediates cell attachment to the mineralised matrix and is involved in osteoclast attachment to the bone surface during resorption
Osteopontin (OPN) is a non-collagenous phosphoprotein found in the mineralised extracellular matrix of bone, cementum, and dentin. It contains an RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) sequence that mediates cell attachment via integrins. In bone resorption, osteopontin facilitates osteoclast attachment to the bone surface (via αvβ3 integrin on the osteoclast), creating the sealed resorption compartment. It also plays roles in immune regulation, wound healing, and biomineralisation.
Reference: Nanci – Ten Cate's Oral Histology, 9th ed., 2017