"However, optogenetics tools have not yet been used to generate mature differentiated cells from their precursors, such as osteoclasts from monocytes/macrophages." In this study, the researchers ...

Osteoclasts derive from a myeloid progenitor that gives rise to both the monocyte-macrophage lineage and the osteoclast lineage. A mononuclear pre-osteoclast exists that expresses both TRAP and CTR.

Macrophages: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens; they play a crucial role in the immune response. Osteoclasts: Cells that break down bone tissue ...

06:00 The blue areas are bone, and the red parts resembling amoebas on the bone's surface are osteoclasts. However, any imbalance causing too many of these macrophages to move to bones results in ...