David Lacey & Scott
Simonet talk with ScienceWatch.com and answer
a few questions about this month's Fast Moving Front in
the field of Molecular Biology & Genetics. The
authors have also sent along images of their
work.
Article: Osteoclast differentiation and
activation
Authors: Boyle,
WJ;Simonet,
WS;Lacey, DL
Journal: NATURE, 423 (6937): 337-342 MAY 15 2003
Addresses: Prot Pathways Inc, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
USA.
Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 USA.
Prot Pathways Inc, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 USA.
Schematic representation of the
mechanism of action of
a, pro-resorptive and
calcitropic factors; and
b, anabolic and
anti-osteoclastic factors. RANKL
expression is induced in osteoblasts,
activated T cells, synovial fibroblasts
and bone marrow stromal cells, and
subsequently binds to its specific
membrane-bound receptor RANK, thereby
triggering a network of TRAF-mediated
kinase cascades that promote osteoclast
differentiation, activation and
survival. Conversely, OPG expression is
induced by factors that block bone
catabolism and promote anabolic
effects. OPG binds and neutralizes
RANKL, leading to a block in
osteoclastogenesis and decreased
survival of pre-existing osteoclasts.
View this image as well as other
accompanying images for this article in
Nature.
Note: the previous link might
require a username and password to
view at the Nature Web
site.