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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
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Differentiation of Functional Osteoclasts from Human Peripheral Blood CD14+ Monocytes
Published on: January 27, 2023
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in osteoclast differentiation and function
S E Aldridge1, T W J Lennard, J R Williams
1The School of Surgical Sciences, The Medical School, Framlington Place, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK. stephen.aldridge@ncl.ac.uk
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|August 18, 2005
Summary
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) drives osteoclast differentiation via VEGFR1 activation. VEGF also influences mature osteoclast activity through both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, impacting bone remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Bone Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Hematopoiesis
Background:
- Osteoclasts, crucial for bone resorption, originate from monocyte/macrophage precursors.
- Factors like M-CSF and RANKL are known regulators of osteoclastogenesis.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a proangiogenic cytokine, is implicated in osteoclast differentiation and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific roles of VEGF and its receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) in osteoclastogenesis.
- To elucidate the signaling pathways through which VEGF influences osteoclast differentiation and activity.
Main Methods:
- In vitro culture of osteoclast precursors.
- Treatment with VEGF, VEGF receptor-specific ligands, and blocking antibodies.
- Assessment of osteoclast differentiation and resorption activity.
Main Results:
- VEGF activation of VEGFR1, in conjunction with RANKL, significantly induces osteoclast differentiation.
- Stimulation of individual VEGF receptors increased osteoclast resorption compared to controls.
- Simultaneous stimulation of both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 resulted in the highest level of osteoclast resorption.
Conclusions:
- VEGF promotes osteoclast differentiation primarily through VEGFR1 signaling.
- VEGF's influence on mature osteoclast activity may involve the combined action of both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2.
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