Hayata states, "RANKL functions as an 'accelerator' for osteoclast cell differentiation. Driving a car requires not only the accelerator but also the brakes. Here, we find that Ctdnep1 functions ...

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.