The F-actin modulator SWAP-70 controls podosome patterning in osteoclasts.

ABSTRACT: Osteoclasts are bone resorbing cells acting as key mediators of bone disorders. Upon adhesion to bone, osteoclasts polarize and reorganize their cytoskeleton to generate a ring-like F-actin-rich structure, the sealing zone, wherein the osteoclast's resorptive organelle, the ruffled border, is formed. The dynamic self-organization of actin-rich adhesive structures, the podosomes, from clusters to belts is crucial for osteoclast-mediated bone degradation. Mice lacking the protein SWAP-70 display an osteopetrotic phenotype due to defective bone resorption caused by impaired actin ring formation in Swap-70^-/- osteoclasts. To further elucidate the mechanisms underlying this defect, we investigated the specific function of SWAP-70 in the organization and dynamics of podosomes.

SUBMITTER: Roscher A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5440945 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature