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Osteoclast cell fusion: mechanisms and molecules

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Modern Rheumatology

Abstract

Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing multinuclear polykaryon that are essential for bone remodeling and are formed through cell fusion of mononuclear macrophage/monocyte-lineage hematopoietic precursors. In arthritic joints, a large number of activated osteoclasts can be detected, which are suggested to be causative of bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis. It has been fully established that osteoclastogenesis is critically regulated by several key essential factors, such as M-CSF and RANKL. However, regarding their most characteristic property, i.e., cell fusion to form giant polykaryons, there are still miscellaneous questions to be clarified, although several molecules have been shown to be critically involved in this process. Here we review the latest knowledge about osteoclastogenic cell fusion and novel concepts underlying the characteristic phenomenon. Because cell fusion is a genuine property of mature osteoclasts, modulating this process will become a promising therapeutic tool for bone resorptive disorders in the future.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Ms. Kaori Iwai (Department of Clinical Research, Osaka Minami Medical Center) for providing imaging data and helpful discussions. This work was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for the Encouragement of Young Scientists (15790133 and 17790170) from the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture of Japan, and by a Grant-in-Aid from Takeda Science Foundation, and by a Grant-in-Aid from Kanae Foundation for Socio-Medical Sciences.

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  1. Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Research, NHO National Osaka Minami Medical Center, 2-1 Kidohigashimachi, Kawachinagano, Osaka , 586-8521, Japan

    Masaru Ishii & Yukihiko Saeki

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  1. Masaru Ishii
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  2. Yukihiko Saeki
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Correspondence to Masaru Ishii.

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Ishii, M., Saeki, Y. Osteoclast cell fusion: mechanisms and molecules. Mod Rheumatol 18, 220–227 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10165-008-0051-2

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