Figure 1

Regulation of osteoclast differentiation. Osteoclasts are derived from myeloid precursors. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) induces myeloid precursors to differentiate to osteoclast precursors that express RANK (Receptor activator of NF-κB) and TREM2 (Triggering receptor expressed by myeloid cells-2) receptors. Upon RANK ligand (RANKL) stimulation and ITAM (Immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif) activation, osteoclast precursors undergo further differentiation to mononuclear osteoclasts with NFATc1 (Nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1) induction and express osteoclast-related genes such as those encoding TNF-receptor associated protein (TRAP), cathepsin K (CtsK) and αvβ3. Mononuclear osteoclasts then fuse to multinuclear osteoclasts and function as polarized bone resorbing cells. This process of osteoclast differentiation is regulated by various transcription factors and exogenous factors at different stages. Inflammatory factors that promote osteoclastogenesis are shown in red. Inhibitors of osteoclastogenesis are shown in blue. Calc, calcitonin; Calc R, calcitonin receptor; CSF-1R, colony stimulating factor 1 receptor; DC-STAMP, dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein; ECM, extracellular matrix; GM-CSF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; M-CSF, macrophage colony-stimulating factor; MITF, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor; OPG, osteoprotegerin; TLR, Toll-like receptor.