biostudies-literatureMiao KZNIDCR NIH HHSNational Institute of Dental and Craniofacial ResearchNational Institute of General Medical SciencesNIGMS NIH HHS969481https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9664155biostudies-literatureUnknown13Efforts to understand the morphogenesis of complex craniofacial structures have largely focused on the role of chondrocytes and osteoblasts. Along with these bone-creating cells, bone-resorbing osteoclasts are critical in homeostasis of adult skeletal structures, but there is currently limited information on their role in the complex morphogenetic events of craniofacial development. Fundamental aspects of skull formation and general skeletal development are conserved from zebrafish to mammals. Using a <i>cathepsinK</i> reporter, we documented osteoclast location in the developing zebrafish skull over several weeks, from 5.18 mm to 9.6 mm standard length (approximately 15 to 34 days post fertilization). While broad distribution of osteoclasts is consistent across individuals, they are sparsFrontiers in endocrinologyOsteoclast activity sculpts craniofacial form to permit sensorineural patterning in the zebrafish skull.PMC9664155R01 DE022955T32 GM008541U01 DE024434R15 DE021196R21 DE029916T32GM008541U01DE024434, R01DE022955, R21DE021196Miao KZCaetano-Lopes JCozzone AHarris MPFisher SfalseOsteoclast activity sculpts craniofacial form to permit sensorineural patterning in the zebrafish skull.Efforts to understand the morphogenesis of complex craniofacial structures have largely focused on the role of chondrocytes and osteoblasts. Along with these bone-creating cells, bone-resorbing osteoclasts are critical in homeostasis of adult skeletal structures, but there is currently limited information on their role in the complex morphogenetic events of craniofacial development. Fundamental aspects of skull formation and general skeletal development are conserved from zebrafish to mammals. Using a <i>cathepsinK</i> reporter, we documented osteoclast location in the developing zebrafish skull over several weeks, from 5.18 mm to 9.6 mm standard length (approximately 15 to 34 days post fertilization). While broad distribution of osteoclasts is consistent across individuals, they are spars2022-01-01T00:00:00Z20222026-05-29T04:24:17.9Z2025-02-19T01:28:50.885ZS-EPMC96641553638788910.3389/fendo.2022.969481