Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders
11:47

A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders

Published on: June 8, 2014

Therapeutic targeting of osteoclast function and pathways

Matthew L Broadhead1, Jonathan C M Clark, Crispin R Dass

  • 1St. Vincent's Hospital, Department of Orthopaedics and University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery, L3, Daly Wing, 35 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy 3065, VIC, Australia.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|January 6, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Osteoclast targeted therapies offer promising treatments for bone diseases like osteoporosis and cancer. Advances in molecular biology and imaging enhance their potential for combined therapy and monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Bone biology and pathology
  • Molecular mechanisms of bone resorption
  • Therapeutic strategies for bone diseases

Background:

  • Osteoclasts are critical for bone resorption, and their dysregulation contributes to pathological bone loss.
  • Significant advancements in understanding osteoclast differentiation and activation have paved the way for targeted therapies.
  • Osteolysis is a hallmark of various diseases, necessitating effective osteoclast-modulating treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms governing osteoclast differentiation and activity.
  • To provide a foundation for understanding current treatments for osteoporosis and bone tumors.
  • To explore the potential of osteoclast-targeted therapies in various bone pathologies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on molecular mechanisms of osteoclast biology.
  • Analysis of current therapeutic approaches for bone resorption disorders.
  • Evaluation of emerging osteoclast-targeted therapies.

Main Results:

  • Detailed exposition of molecular pathways controlling osteoclastogenesis and function.
  • Identification of key targets for therapeutic intervention in bone diseases.
  • Overview of ongoing research and clinical trials for osteoclast-targeted treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Osteoclast-targeted therapies hold significant promise for treating conditions characterized by excessive bone resorption.
  • Integration of molecular imaging with therapeutic interventions allows for precise monitoring of disease progression.
  • Future directions include refining therapeutic strategies and leveraging advanced imaging for personalized medicine in bone disorders.

More Related Videos

Osteoclast Derivation from Mouse Bone Marrow06:17

Osteoclast Derivation from Mouse Bone Marrow

Published on: November 6, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling01:31

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...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors01:27

Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors

Enzyme-linked receptors are cell-surface receptors acting as an enzyme or associating with an enzyme intracellularly. They make excellent drug targets. Drugs can bind to the extracellular ligand-binding domain or directly affect their enzymatic domain and alter their activity.
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Bone Remodeling01:40

Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
Targets for Drug Action: Overview01:26

Targets for Drug Action: Overview

Drugs target macromolecules to modify ongoing cellular processes. Primary drug targets include receptors, ion channels, transporters, and enzymes.
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...