Dear Colleagues,
Bone is a complex tissue that is constantly being remodeled. Osteoclasts are a key regulator of bone homeostasis and are responsible for bone resorption. They are derived from hematopoietic stem cells following activation of specific signaling pathways by M-CSF and RANKL. Genes activated during this process include PU-1 and DC-STAMP, as well as several others. Research to date has mostly focused on the factors that drive osteoclast differentiation, however further studies are required due to the complexity of the bone niche. Osteoclast differentiation is mediated by osteoblasts and by other cells present within the bone marrow. These cells influence the differentiation, proliferation, and activation of osteoclasts. Hence, the local cell environment is critical for osteoclasts to perform their role in bone remodeling. Once it has differentiated, an osteoclast may proliferate or become activated, although the key events involved in these processes are still unclear.
This special issue will focus on new insights into the signaling pathways that lead to osteoclast differentiation, proliferation, and activation. Identification of new genes and proteins, as well as a better understanding of the established signaling pathways, is crucial for defining the role of osteoclasts in bone resorption and for developing novel treatments against diseases such as osteoporosis. Articles describing the local environment that influences osteoclast differentiation and function are also of interest.
Assoc. Prof. Anja Nohe
Guest Editor
Manuscripts should be submitted via our online editorial system at https://imr.propub.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to start your submission. Manuscripts can be submitted now or up until the deadline. All papers will go through peer-review process. Accepted papers will be published in the journal (as soon as accepted) and meanwhile listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, reviews as well as short communications are preferred. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office to announce on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts will be thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. Please visit the Instruction for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) in this open access journal is 2500 USD. Submitted manuscripts should be well formatted in good English.