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Updated: Aug 3, 2026

Osteoclast Derivation from Mouse Bone Marrow
Published on: November 6, 2014
Functional and analytical recapitulation of osteoclast biology on demineralized bone paper
Yongkuk Park1, Tadatoshi Sato2, Jungwoo Lee3,4,5
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
Abstract:
Osteoclasts are the primary target for osteoporosis drug development. Recent animal studies revealed the crucial roles of osteoblasts in regulating osteoclastogenesis and the longer lifespans of osteoclasts than previously thought with fission and recycling. However, existing culture platforms are limited to replicating these newly identified cellular processes. We report a demineralized bone paper (DBP)-based osteoblast culture and osteoclast assay platform that replicates osteoclast fusion, fission, resorption, and apoptosis with high fidelity and analytical power. An osteoid-inspired DBP supports rapid and structural mineral deposition by osteoblasts. Coculture osteoblasts and bone marrow monocytes under biochemical stimulation recapitulate osteoclast differentiation and function. The DBP-based bone model allows longitudinal quantitative fluorescent monitoring of osteoclast responses to bisphosphonate drug, substantiating significantly reducing their number and lifespan. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of humanizing the bone model. The DBP-based osteo assay platforms are expected to advance bone remodeling-targeting drug development with improved prediction of clinical outcomes.
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