osteoclast

Morphology: Highly vesicular; markers: Surface: RANK, cFMS (MCSF receptor); Secreted: cathepsin K and TRAP (tartate resistant acid phosphatase); transcription factors: PU.1, cFOS, MITF, NFkB (p52); role or process: tissue remodelling: bone resorption; lineage: hematopoietic, myeloid.

osteoclast

Osteoclasts, derived from the monocyte/macrophage lineage, play a crucial role in bone remodeling through bone resorption. They are distinguished from other cells by their large size and their unique ability to secrete enzymes and acids that dissolve the calcium phosphate in bone. The formation of osteoclasts is influenced by two primary factors: macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and the ligand-activated receptor (RANKL) of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Osteoclasts also collaborate with osteoblasts, responsible for new bone formation, to maintain bone health and adapt bone structure. Their coordinated actions allow continuous remodeling while preserving overall bone strength and integrity. Imbalances in osteoclast activity can lead to pathological conditions. For example, excessive activity may contribute to diseases like osteoporosis, periprosthetic osteolysis, bone tumors, and Paget's disease. Other the other hand, osteoclast deficiency ca result in conditions like osteopetrosis. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.)

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chondroclast

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CL:0000092

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