Common signalling pathways in macrophage and osteoclast multinucleation

Marie Pereira, Enrico Petretto, Siamon Gordon, J. H.Duncan Bassett, Graham R. Williams, Jacques Behmoaras*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

151 Scopus citations

Abstract

Macrophage cell fusion and multinucleation are fundamental processes in the formation of multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) in chronic inflammatory disease and osteoclasts in the regulation of bone mass. However, this basic cell phenomenon is poorly understood despite its pathophysiological relevance. Granulomas containing multinucleated giant cells are seen in a wide variety of complex inflammatory disorders, as well as in infectious diseases. Dysregulation of osteoclastic bone resorption underlies the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and malignant osteolytic bone disease. Recent reports have shown that the formation of multinucleated giant cells and osteoclast fusion display a common molecular signature, suggesting shared genetic determinants. In this Review, we describe the background of cell-cell fusion and the similar origin of macrophages and osteoclasts. We specifically focus on the common pathways involved in osteoclast and MGC fusion.We also highlight potential approaches that could help to unravel the core mechanisms underlying bone and granulomatous disorders in humans.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberjcs216267
JournalJournal of Cell Science
Volume131
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 01 06 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Keywords

  • Cell fusion
  • Macrophages
  • Multinucleation
  • Osteoclasts

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