Abstract
Osteoclasts are the principal, if not exclusive, bone-resorbing cells, and their activity has a profound impact on skeletal health. So, disorders of skeletal insufficiency, such as osteoporosis, typically represent enhanced osteoclastic bone resorption relative to bone formation. Prevention of pathological bone loss therefore depends on an appreciation of the mechanisms by which osteoclasts differentiate from their precursors and degrade the skeleton. The past five years have witnessed important insights into osteoclast formation and function. Many of these discoveries have been made through genetic experiments that involved the rare hereditary disorder osteopetrosis.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Bone Remodeling
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Bone and Bones / physiology
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Carrier Proteins / metabolism
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Cell Lineage
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
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Glycoproteins / metabolism
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Humans
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Ions
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Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
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Models, Biological
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Mutation
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Osteoclasts / metabolism*
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Osteoclasts / physiology*
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Osteoprotegerin
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RANK Ligand
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Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism
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Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
Substances
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Carrier Proteins
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Glycoproteins
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Ions
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Osteoprotegerin
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RANK Ligand
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Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
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Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
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TNFRSF11A protein, human
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TNFRSF11B protein, human
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TNFSF11 protein, human