Epigenetic regulation of osteoclast differentiation

Bone erosion is a feature of many diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and multiple myeloma. The bone-eating cells (osteoclasts) responsible for this process, and the cells from which they mature, are found in greater numbers in the diseased condition. Strategies that can target this aspect of the disease process are of intense interest. Recently, a therapeutic has been found that can manipulate this process through the regulation of the genetic material that controls the fate of the precursors of osteoclasts. This project will examine the mechanisms underlying this regulation.