Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 13, 2026

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
Concanavalin A directly stimulates bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts and their gene expression of cathepsin
1Discovery Research Laboratories II, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Fukushima-ku, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
Concanavalin A (Con A), a plant lectin that recognizes cell-surface glycoproteins, up-regulates osteoclastic bone-resorbing activity of cultured isolated rabbit pure osteoclasts as well as unfractionated bone cells. The effect of Con A was blocked by alpha-methyl mannopyranoside. Several Con A-binding proteins were detected in the plasma membranes from osteoclasts. Furthermore, Con A increased the levels of transcripts of cathepsin K/OC-2, one of the proteases responsible for osteoclastic bone-resorbing activity. These results indicate that Con A directly enhances the function of osteoclasts by the association with surface glycoproteins of osteoclasts.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Hormones and Bone Tissue
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...
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...

