Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Giant cell formation and function

2008; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 16; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/moh.0b013e32831ac52e

1531-7048

William G. Brodbeck, James M. Anderson,

Bone Metabolism and Diseases

Purpose of review To provide insight into the current state of understanding regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the formation and function of various types of multinucleated giant cells. Recent findings Recent studies involving mainly osteoclasts and foreign body giant cells have revealed a number of common factors, for example, vitronectin, an adhesion protein, dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein, a fusion factor, and macrophage fusion receptor, that contribute to giant cell formation and function. Insight into common molecules, receptors, and mediators of adhesion and fusion mechanisms of giant cell formation have been complicated by the wide diversity of species, models, and cell types utilized in these studies. Summary These recently identified factors together with the well known osteoclast receptor, αvβ3, may serve as potential therapeutic targets for the modulation and inhibition of multinucleated giant cell formation and function. Further studies on intracellular and intercellular signaling mechanisms modulating multinucleated giant cell formation and function are necessary for the identification of therapeutic targets as well as a better understanding of giant cell biology.