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Updated: Oct 13, 2025

A Simple Pit Assay Protocol to Visualize and Quantify Osteoclastic Resorption In Vitro
Published on: June 16, 2022
Novel insights into the coupling of osteoclasts and resorption to bone formation
Margaret M Durdan1, Ruth D Azaria1, Megan M Weivoda2
1Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Abstract:
Bone remodeling consists of resorption by osteoclasts (OCs) and formation by osteoblasts (OBs). Precise coordination of these activities is required for the resorbed bone to be replaced with an equal amount of new bone in order to maintain skeletal mass throughout the lifespan. This coordination of remodeling processes is referred to as the "coupling" of resorption to bone formation. In this review, we discuss the essential role for OCs in coupling resorption to bone formation, mechanisms for this coupling, and how coupling becomes less efficient or disrupted in conditions of bone loss. Lastly, we provide perspectives on targeting coupling to treat human bone disease.
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