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Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling

Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling

Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during bone...

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Development of a Human Preclinical Model of Osteoclastogenesis from Peripheral Blood Monocytes Co-cultured with Breast Cancer Cell Lines

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Microarray profile of gene expression during osteoclast differentiation in modelled microgravity.

Yuvaraj Sambandam¹, Jeremy J Blanchard, Giffin Daughtridge

¹Charles P. Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry

|August 19, 2010

Summary

Microgravity accelerates bone loss by increasing osteoclast activity. This study simulated microgravity and found increased osteoclast differentiation, identifying S100A8 as a key factor in preventing astronaut bone loss.

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Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Development of a Human Preclinical Model of Osteoclastogenesis from Peripheral Blood Monocytes Co-cultured with Breast Cancer Cell Lines

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Published on: September 13, 2017

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Stimulation of Notch Signaling in Mouse Osteoclast Precursors

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Published on: February 28, 2017

Area of Science:

Space Biology
Cell Biology
Bone Physiology

Background:

Spaceflight-induced microgravity causes significant bone mass loss in astronauts.
Osteoclasts (OCLs) are critical multinucleated cells responsible for bone resorption.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying enhanced osteoclastogenesis under simulated microgravity.
To identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing bone loss during space missions.

Main Methods:

Simulated microgravity using a rotating wall vessel bioreactor (RWV/RCCS).
Gene expression profiling via Agilent microarray analysis of RAW 264.7 OCL progenitor cells.
Analysis of calcium levels and siRNA-mediated knockdown of S100A8.

Main Results:

Simulated microgravity significantly increased osteoclastogenesis (2-fold) compared to normal gravity.
Upregulation of transcription factors (c-Jun, MITF, CREB) and identification of high S100A8 expression.
Elevated cytosolic calcium and reduced OCL differentiation upon S100A8 knockdown.

Conclusions:

Simulated microgravity enhances osteoclast differentiation and function through specific molecular pathways.
S100A8 and calcium signaling are key regulators of osteoclast activity in microgravity.
Findings offer insights into therapeutic strategies to mitigate bone loss in astronauts.