Roles of osteoclasts in alveolar bone remodeling

Abstract

Summary Osteoclasts are large multinucleated cells from hematopoietic origin and are responsible for bone resorption. A balance between osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoblastic bone formation is critical to maintain bone homeostasis. The alveolar bone, also called the alveolar process, is the part of the jawbone that holds the teeth and supports oral functions. It differs from other skeletal bones in several aspects: its embryonic cellular origin, the form of ossification, and the presence of teeth and periodontal tissues; hence, understanding the unique characteristic of the alveolar bone remodeling is important to maintain oral homeostasis. Excessive osteoclastic bone resorption is one of the prominent features of bone diseases in the jaw such as periodontitis. Therefore, inhibiting osteoclast formation and bone resorptive process has been the target of therapeutic intervention. Understanding the mechanisms of osteoclastic bone resorption is critical for the effective treatment of bone diseases in the jaw. In this review, we discuss basic principles of alveolar bone remodeling with a specific focus on the osteoclastic bone resorptive process and its unique functions in the alveolar bone. Lastly, we provide perspectives on osteoclast‐targeted therapies and regenerative approaches associated with bone diseases in the jaw.

Impact of the host response and osteoblast lineage cells on periodontal disease

“…PDL fibroblasts play an important role in regulating alveolar bone remolding in response to mechanical forces. These cells can produce RANKL, IL-1β and TNF-α to stimulate alveolar bone remodeling ( 37 ).…”

The roles of type 1 and type 2 taste receptors in bone remodeling: A literature review

“…Bone remodeling is a constant process by which bone is removed and renewed, and this mechanical process is controlled primarily by the cells that are responsible for bone formation (osteoblasts), the cells in charge of bone resorption (osteoclasts), and the cells embedded in the bone matrix (osteocytes). 41,42 Bone formation has a crucial role in endochondral ossification, that is, the formation of the mandibular condyle during temporomandibular joint (TMJ) development. 43 This remodeling process occurs throughout life, and a disruption of this process will result in various pathological conditions.…”

“…The remodeling process is complete when the matrix then mineralizes to produce new bone 10 . Understanding the factors regulating bone remodeling associated with bone disease in the jaw is essential, 42 as is the clarification of the molecular mechanisms that control bone differentiation, 45 especially for further investigations of the roles of taste receptors in bone disease.…”

State-of-the-art of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein research field: 13th International BMP Conference, Dubrovnik 2022

“…is delicate process is governed by osteoblasts (OBs) and osteoclasts (OCLs), which interact in diverse ways, as recently reported (41)(42)(43). Physical interaction between OBs and OCLs happens through cellular projections named tunneling nanotubes, which transport cargo towards OBs, leading to osteoblastic cell death in vitro (44). In a newly developed dual reporter model, OCLs are labeled using cathepsin-kCre (Ctsk-Cre) and OBs with osteocalcin-GFP which enables distinct observation between various phases of OCL-OB interaction.…”