Click on image to view larger version.
Figure 3. Schematic diagram summarizing the role played by CaR in osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclasts. Expressed by osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclasts, CaR appears to play a key role in osteoclast differentiation and apoptosis. On activation by increases in the extracellular calcium concentration known to occur in association with osteoclastic bone resorption, CaR stimulates phospholipase C, which is responsible for promoting translocation of NF-
B from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in mature osteoclasts. Most likely in association with other transcription factors, Cao2+-induced activation of NF-B then leads mature osteoclasts into apoptosis.
