Critical signaling pathways in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption: mechanisms and therapeutic implications for periprosthetic osteolysis

Bone homeostasis is dynamically regulated by the balance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-driven bone formation. Periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO), a major complication following joint arthroplasty, occurs when excessive bone resorption surpasses formation, leading to implant...

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Main Authors: Liangzi Yin, Chenglin Sun, Junjie Zhang, Yan Li, Yansheng Wang, Lunhao Bai, Zeming Lei
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1639430/full
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author Liangzi Yin
Liangzi Yin
Chenglin Sun
Junjie Zhang
Yan Li
Yansheng Wang
Yansheng Wang
Lunhao Bai
Zeming Lei
Zeming Lei
author_facet Liangzi Yin
Liangzi Yin
Chenglin Sun
Junjie Zhang
Yan Li
Yansheng Wang
Yansheng Wang
Lunhao Bai
Zeming Lei
Zeming Lei
author_sort Liangzi Yin
collection DOAJ
description Bone homeostasis is dynamically regulated by the balance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-driven bone formation. Periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO), a major complication following joint arthroplasty, occurs when excessive bone resorption surpasses formation, leading to implant loosening and failure. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal roles of the RANKL/RANK/OPG axis, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) cascades in osteoclast differentiation and pathological bone resorption. This review systematically explores the molecular mechanisms by which these pathways regulate osteoclastogenesis and their pathological contributions to PPO. Specifically, we analyze how wear particle-induced inflammation reprograms these signaling networks to exacerbate osteolytic activity. Furthermore, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways, including pharmacological inhibitors, gene therapy, and dual-target interventions, to restore bone homeostasis. By integrating recent advances in osteoimmunology and translational research, this work provides a comprehensive framework for understanding PPO pathogenesis and developing precision therapies.
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issn 2296-634X
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publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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spelling doaj-art-8504a8237acf4e0faece2aa0075cd0222025-08-26T05:28:14ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology2296-634X2025-08-011310.3389/fcell.2025.16394301639430Critical signaling pathways in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption: mechanisms and therapeutic implications for periprosthetic osteolysisLiangzi Yin0Liangzi Yin1Chenglin Sun2Junjie Zhang3Yan Li4Yansheng Wang5Yansheng Wang6Lunhao Bai7Zeming Lei8Zeming Lei9Central Laboratory, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, ChinaLaboratory for Hand Bone and Joint Disease, Shenyang Institute of Hand Surgery, Shenyang, ChinaCentral Laboratory, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, ChinaDepartment of Pathology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, ChinaCentral Laboratory, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, ChinaLaboratory for Hand Bone and Joint Disease, Shenyang Institute of Hand Surgery, Shenyang, ChinaDepartment of Hand Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, ChinaDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, ChinaDepartment of Hand Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, ChinaDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, ChinaBone homeostasis is dynamically regulated by the balance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-driven bone formation. Periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO), a major complication following joint arthroplasty, occurs when excessive bone resorption surpasses formation, leading to implant loosening and failure. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal roles of the RANKL/RANK/OPG axis, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) cascades in osteoclast differentiation and pathological bone resorption. This review systematically explores the molecular mechanisms by which these pathways regulate osteoclastogenesis and their pathological contributions to PPO. Specifically, we analyze how wear particle-induced inflammation reprograms these signaling networks to exacerbate osteolytic activity. Furthermore, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways, including pharmacological inhibitors, gene therapy, and dual-target interventions, to restore bone homeostasis. By integrating recent advances in osteoimmunology and translational research, this work provides a comprehensive framework for understanding PPO pathogenesis and developing precision therapies.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1639430/fullperiprosthetic osteolysisbone resorptionsignaling pathwaysosteoclastsRANKL/RANK/OPGNF-κB
spellingShingle Liangzi Yin
Liangzi Yin
Chenglin Sun
Junjie Zhang
Yan Li
Yansheng Wang
Yansheng Wang
Lunhao Bai
Zeming Lei
Zeming Lei
Critical signaling pathways in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption: mechanisms and therapeutic implications for periprosthetic osteolysis
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
periprosthetic osteolysis
bone resorption
signaling pathways
osteoclasts
RANKL/RANK/OPG
NF-κB
title Critical signaling pathways in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption: mechanisms and therapeutic implications for periprosthetic osteolysis
title_full Critical signaling pathways in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption: mechanisms and therapeutic implications for periprosthetic osteolysis
title_fullStr Critical signaling pathways in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption: mechanisms and therapeutic implications for periprosthetic osteolysis
title_full_unstemmed Critical signaling pathways in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption: mechanisms and therapeutic implications for periprosthetic osteolysis
title_short Critical signaling pathways in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption: mechanisms and therapeutic implications for periprosthetic osteolysis
title_sort critical signaling pathways in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption mechanisms and therapeutic implications for periprosthetic osteolysis
topic periprosthetic osteolysis
bone resorption
signaling pathways
osteoclasts
RANKL/RANK/OPG
NF-κB
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1639430/full
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