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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

A Simple Pit Assay Protocol to Visualize and Quantify Osteoclastic Resorption In Vitro

A Simple Pit Assay Protocol to Visualize and Quantify Osteoclastic Resorption In Vitro

Published on: June 16, 2022

Calcium signaling in osteoclasts.

Sung-Yong Hwang¹, James W Putney

¹Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta

|November 16, 2010

Summary

Calcium signaling is crucial for osteoclast function in bone diseases like osteoporosis. Understanding calcium oscillations in osteoclasts reveals key regulators of bone resorption and function.

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Physiology

Background:

Osteoporosis and other bone diseases involve abnormal osteoclast resorption.
Osteoclast differentiation and function are regulated by complex mechanisms.
Calcium (Ca2+) signaling is implicated in osteoclast biology.

Purpose of the Study:

To review existing research on Ca2+ signaling in osteoclasts.
To discuss recent advances in understanding RANKL-induced Ca2+ oscillations.
To identify molecular players in Ca2+ signaling critical for bone health.

Main Methods:

Review of scientific literature on osteoclastogenesis and Ca2+ signaling.
Analysis of studies on RANKL-mediated Ca2+ oscillations.
Discussion of molecular mechanisms regulating Ca2+ responses in osteoclasts.

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A Fluorescent Intravital Imaging Approach to Study Load-Induced Calcium Signaling Dynamics in Mouse Osteocytes

A Fluorescent Intravital Imaging Approach to Study Load-Induced Calcium Signaling Dynamics in Mouse Osteocytes

Published on: February 24, 2023

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Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

A Simple Pit Assay Protocol to Visualize and Quantify Osteoclastic Resorption In Vitro

A Simple Pit Assay Protocol to Visualize and Quantify Osteoclastic Resorption In Vitro

Published on: June 16, 2022

A Fluorescent Intravital Imaging Approach to Study Load-Induced Calcium Signaling Dynamics in Mouse Osteocytes

A Fluorescent Intravital Imaging Approach to Study Load-Induced Calcium Signaling Dynamics in Mouse Osteocytes

Published on: February 24, 2023

Main Results:

Cytoplasmic Ca2+ oscillations are a hallmark of RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis.
Ca2+ oscillations digitally induce NFATc1, a master regulator of osteoclast differentiation.
NFATc1 is autoamplified in a Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

Ca2+ signaling, particularly oscillations, plays a pivotal role in osteoclast differentiation and function.
Understanding these Ca2+ dynamics is essential for addressing bone diseases.
Further research into molecular players of Ca2+ signaling can reveal therapeutic targets.