| Theme | Functions of osteoclasts and their abnormality | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | In vivo imaging of bone-resorptive functions of mature osteoclasts | |
| Publish Date | 2012/03 | |
| Author | Junichi Kikuta | Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University / Japan Science and Technology, CREST |
| Author | Masaru Ishii | Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University / Japan Science and Technology, CREST |
| [ Summary ] | Osteoclasts are ‘bone-resorbing’ giant polykaryons that differentiate from mononuclear macrophage/monocyte-lineage hematopoietic precursors. However, it remains unclear how the bone-resorptive functions of mature osteoclasts are controlled in vivo. To answer this question, we utilized an advanced imaging system for visualizing live bone tissues with an intravital multiphoton microscopy system which we have originally established. By means of the system, we have recently succeeded in visualizing mature osteoclasts in living bone tissue. It has been revealed that RANKL regulates bone-resorptive functions of mature osteoclasts in vivo. The latest data and the detailed methodology for intravital imaging of bone tissues and further applications are illustrated. | |