Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025

Osteoclast Derivation from Mouse Bone Marrow
Published on: November 6, 2014
Estrogen-Related Receptor α: A Significant Regulator and Promising Target in Bone Homeostasis and Bone Metastasis
Chun Feng1, Zhaowei Xu1, Xiaojie Tang2
1School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
Abstract:
Bone homeostasis is maintained with the balance between bone formation and bone resorption, which is involved in the functional performance of osteoblast and osteoclast. Disruption of this equilibrium usually causes bone disorders including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and osteosclerosis. In addition, aberrant activity of bone also contributes to the bone metastasis that frequently occurs in the late stage of aggressive cancers. Orphan nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor (ERRα) has been demonstrated to control the bone cell fate and the progression of tumor cells in bone through crosstalk with various molecules and signaling pathways. However, the defined function of this receptor in bone is inconsistent and controversial. Therefore, we summarized the latest research and conducted an overview to reveal the regulatory effect of ERRα on bone homeostasis and bone metastasis, this review may broaden the present understanding of the cellular and molecular model of ERRα and highlight its potential implication in clinical therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Bone Remodeling
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:

