The architecture of the adhesive apparatus of cultured osteoclasts: from podosome formation to sealing zone assembly.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Osteoclasts are bone-degrading cells, which play a central role in physiological bone remodeling. Unbalanced osteoclast activity is largely responsible for pathological conditions such as osteoporosis. Osteoclasts develop specialized adhesion structures, the so-called podosomes, which subsequently undergo dramatic reorganization into sealing zones. These ring-like adhesion structures, which delimit the resorption site, effectively seal the cell to the substrate forming a diffusion barrier. The structural integrity of the sealing zone is essential for the cell ability to degrade bone, yet its structural organization is poorly understood.

Principal findings

Combining high-resolution scanning electron microscopy with fluorescence microscopy performed on the same samp

SUBMITTER: Luxenburg C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1779809 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature