Litcius/Paper detail

Novel insights into the coupling of osteoclasts and resorption to bone formation

Margaret Durdan, Ruth D. Azaria, Megan Weivoda

2021Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology60 citationsDOIOpen Access PDF

Abstract

Bone remodeling consists of resorption by osteoclasts (OCs) and formation by osteoblasts (OBs). Precise coordination of these activities is required for the resorbed bone to be replaced with an equal amount of new bone in order to maintain skeletal mass throughout the lifespan. This coordination of remodeling processes is referred to as the "coupling" of resorption to bone formation. In this review, we discuss the essential role for OCs in coupling resorption to bone formation, mechanisms for this coupling, and how coupling becomes less efficient or disrupted in conditions of bone loss. Lastly, we provide perspectives on targeting coupling to treat human bone disease.

Topics & Concepts

Bone resorptionBone remodeling periodResorptionBone remodelingCoupling (piping)Bone formationBiologyCell biologyOsteoblastEndocrinologyMaterials scienceBiochemistryIn vitroMetallurgyBone Metabolism and DiseasesBone health and treatmentsBone health and osteoporosis research