The field of bone and joint disease research has increasingly focused attention on the multifaceted roles of osteoclasts in both physiological and pathological conditions. These cells, which are essential for maintaining bone homeostasis through regulated resorption, have a profound influence on skeletal remodeling. However, dysregulation in osteoclast activity contributes to the onset and progression of a variety of bone and joint diseases, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone neoplasms. Recent studies have uncovered not only the direct participation of osteoclasts in disease mechanisms but also their indirect modulating roles via complex interactions with other cell types and mediator molecules such as cytokines and exosomes. Despite this expanding body of evidence, significant questions remain regarding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control osteoclast differentiation, function, and the network of signaling pathways implicated in disease contexts.

This Research Topic aims to foster a deeper understanding of the regulatory networks and functional diversity of osteoclasts in bone and joint diseases. The primary objective is to illuminate the cellular processes, signaling mechanisms, metabolic pathways, and intercellular communications that drive both normal and aberrant osteoclast activity. By concentrating on the molecular regulators—such as novel receptors, kinases, epigenetic modifications, and non-coding RNAs—this topic seeks to identify promising new targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, the Research Topic endeavors to catalyze the translation of mechanistic insights into the development of innovative treatments aimed at correcting pathological osteoclast activation and restoring tissue health.

The scope of this Research Topic encompasses basic, translational, and clinical research exploring the roles of osteoclasts in bone and joint disorders, while focusing specifically on advances that inform new therapeutic strategies. To gather further insights in the pathological regulation and therapeutic targeting of osteoclasts, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Mechanisms governing osteoclast differentiation, fusion, fission, and apoptosis in disease settings.

o Interactions between osteoclasts and other cell types (e.g., osteoblasts, chondrocytes, immune cells, stem cells).

o Discovery and characterization of novel osteoclast subtypes and their precursors in pathological contexts.

o Innovative technologies and methodologies for investigating osteoclast biology.

o Development of therapeutic approaches targeting osteoclasts, including small molecules, biologics, gene therapies, and combinatorial strategies.

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New Insights into Osteoclasts as Therapeutic Targets for Bone and Joint Diseases