Modulation of osteoclast formation.
Osteoclasts are derived following the fusion of precursors of hematopoietic and myelomonocytic origin after appropriate stimulus, such as that afforded by RANKL and M-CSF. Thus the osteoclast can be considered as a specialized type of macrophage, and several of the factors that affect osteoclast formation also have affects upon macrophage differentiation. Inhibitors of osteoclast formation may perturb RANKL or M-CSF signalling or affect other signalling pathways. Several of these inhibitors are discussed with the view of their capacity to influence osteoclast differentiation, but not necessarily their activity.
Quinn
Julian M W
JM
St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia.
Gillespie
Matthew T
MT
D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D053245:RANK Ligand; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D016207:Cytokines; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D053245:RANK Ligand