Osteoporosis or the weakening of bones makes the aging population vulnerable to fractures and a decreased quality of life. The parathyroid hormone (PTH)-derived peptide — teriparatide has demonstrated strong bone promoting effects. However, it is also to known to exert bone-resorbing effects. A new study uncovers a novel PTH-inducible target gene — Gprc5a which suppresses the proliferation and differentiation of ‘osteoblasts’ or bone-forming cells, and may serve as a therapeutic target in the treatment of osteoporosis.