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Updated: May 28, 2026
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Osteoclast Derivation from Mouse Bone Marrow
Published on: November 6, 2014
In vitro generation of mature human osteoclasts.
F Hemingway1, X Cheng, H J Knowles
1The Botnar Research Centre, Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, UK.
Calcified Tissue International
|October 1, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to isolate mature human osteoclasts from monocytes. This technique allows specific assessment of agents affecting osteoclast bone resorption activity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Osteoclasts are crucial for bone remodeling and resorption.
- Current in vitro methods using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) do not allow specific assessment of osteoclast resorption activity versus differentiation.
- Mature human osteoclasts are derived from CD14(+) monocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for generating a highly enriched population of mature human osteoclasts.
- To specifically assess osteoclast lacunar resorption activity.
- To evaluate the effect of specific agents on osteoclast resorption.
Main Methods:
- CD14(+) human monocytes were cultured on hydrophobic dishes to generate osteoclasts in suspension.
- Osteoclasts were then cultured on coverslips and dentine slices.
- Characterization included assessment of multinucleation, marker expression (vitronectin receptor, TRAP, cathepsin K), F-actin ring formation, and lacunar resorption on dentine.
Main Results:
- A highly enriched population of mature human osteoclasts was generated.
- These osteoclasts expressed key markers, formed F-actin rings, and demonstrated significant lacunar resorption on dentine within 24 hours.
- Calcitonin and zoledronate inhibited lacunar resorption, while osteoprotegerin did not.
Conclusions:
- The novel suspension culture method effectively generates mature human osteoclasts.
- This method enables specific assessment of osteoclast resorption activity, distinct from differentiation.
- This approach is valuable for evaluating the impact of various molecular factors and therapeutic agents on bone resorption.
