- Author:
Jung Ha KIM
1
;
Nacksung KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: Bone and bones; Macrophage colony-stimulating factor; RANK ligand; Osteoclasts; Signal transduction
- MeSH: Bone and Bones; Bone Matrix; Cytokines; Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Osteoclasts; RANK Ligand; Signal Transduction
- From:Chonnam Medical Journal 2016;52(1):12-17
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells of hematopoietic origin that are responsible for the degradation of old bone matrix. Osteoclast differentiation and activity are controlled by two essential cytokines, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL). M-CSF and RANKL bind to their respective receptors c-Fms and RANK to stimulate osteoclast differentiation through regulation of delicate signaling systems. Here, we summarize the critical or essential signaling pathways for osteoclast differentiation including M-CSF-c-Fms signaling, RANKL-RANK signaling, and costimulatory signaling for RANK.