Macrophage fusion: the making of osteoclasts and giant cells.
The fusion of cells is a fundamental biological event that is essential for a variety of developmental and homeostatic processes. Fusion is required for the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts and giant cells, although the mechanisms that govern these processes are poorly understood. A new study now reveals an unexpected role for the receptor, dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), in this process. The potential mechanism by which DC-STAMP governs fusion and the implications of this finding will be discussed.
Vignery
Agnès
A
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. agnes.vignery@yale.edu
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D000818:Animals; D002459:Cell Fusion; D015726:Giant Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000502:physiology*
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; C501589:DCSTAMP protein, human; D008565:Membrane Proteins