The osteocyte and its osteoclastogenic potential.

Abstract in brief

• The skeleton functions both as a protective structure and a dynamic regulator of mineral and hormonal balance, undergoing continuous bone remodeling mediated by osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes.
• Osteocytes are key mechanosensory cells that coordinate bone remodeling through their extensive lacunocanalicular network (LCN), and recent studies using transcriptomics shed light on their molecular roles, especially in promoting osteoclastogenesis.
• While osteocytes have multiple mechanisms to initiate osteoclast formation, current animal models used in research may not accurately represent their specific functions, so conclusions about their role as orchestrators of bone remodeling should be made cautiously.]