Signaling axis in osteoclast biology and therapeutic targeting in the RANKL/RANK/OPG system

Abstract

Bone integrity is maintained through a balance between bone formation and bone resorption, and osteoclasts are primary cells involved in bone resorption. Recent studies have revealed an essential role of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) in the development of osteoclasts, and detailed molecular cascades that induce osteoclast differentiation, activation and apoptosis have been clarified. Osteoclasts are involved in various pathologic conditions, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and tumor-induced bone disease, which are characterized by abnormal bone resorption, and the finding of RANKL has provided us a good therapeutic target for such pathologic conditions.