Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
11:47
A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published on: June 8, 2014
Molecular mechanisms of bone resorption
S L Teitelbaum1, Y Abu-Amer, F P Ross
1Department of Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|September 1, 1995
Summary
This review explores osteoclast development and function, detailing bone resorption mechanisms and polarization. Insights come from lab models and osteopetrosis, guiding understanding of the osteoclast
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Skeletal Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Osteoclasts are crucial for bone remodeling and resorption.
- Osteopetrosis provides insights into osteoclast dysfunction.
- Understanding osteoclast polarization is key to bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review osteoclast ontogeny and function.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of bone resorption by osteoclasts.
- To explore the molecular basis of osteoclast polarization.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory models for osteoclast study.
- Examination of osteopetroses (sclerotic bone diseases).
- Analysis of cellular and molecular machinery for bone resorption.
Main Results:
- Laboratory models and osteopetrosis studies illuminate osteoclast development and function.
- Detailed description of the molecular machinery for bone resorption.
- Speculative mechanisms for osteoclast polarization are proposed.
Conclusions:
- Osteoclast function is intrinsically linked to its development and polarization.
- Microtubules and small GTPases likely mediate osteoclast polarization.
- Polarization is essential for the ruffled membrane formation and bone resorption.
Related Concept Videos
01:40Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during bone...
01:18The Bone Matrix
Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt crystals. Both components of the matrix, organic and inorganic, contribute to the unusual properties of bone. Without collagen, bones would be brittle and shatter easily. Without mineral crystals, bones would flex and provide little support. This can be observed by an experiment: when the minerals of a bone are dissolved by soaking the bone in acid or...
01:29Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:31Bone Remodeling and Repair
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during bone...