Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

A Simple Pit Assay Protocol to Visualize and Quantify Osteoclastic Resorption In Vitro
Published on: June 16, 2022
[Research progress of regulation of osteoclast formation and function]
Objective:
To review the recent research progress of the regulatory mechanisms of osteoclast (OC) formation and functions.
Methods:
The related literature on OC formation, activation, and functions was reviewed, analyzed, and summarized.
Results:
Macrophage colony stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand are essential cytokines which regulate all aspects of OC formation and functions. In additional to mediating bone resorption, OCs also participate in regulation of osteoblast formation and immune responses.
Conclusion:
The researches on the regulation of OC formation and functions have further revealed the destruction mechanisms of various kinds of bone diseases, which will facilitate to find more suitable biological targets for clinical therapy.
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