Dynamic in vivo imaging of osteoclast functions for development of novel therapeutics against bone-resorptive disorders

破骨细胞是唯一具有骨吸收能力的体细胞，它们不仅在正常的骨稳态中起着关键作用，而且在类风湿性关节炎和骨质疏松症等骨破坏性疾病的发病机制中也起着重要作用。为了揭示破骨细胞前体向骨表面募集的过程，我利用活体双光子显微镜对原始开发的骨组织进行了新的实验方法。其中一个特定的主题是通过脂质介质如SIP和骨髓趋化因子的组合来迁移和定位破骨细胞前体。我相信这项研究为各种研究领域提供了一个新的概念，而且，除了它的基本含义之外，这些发现还导致了对人类疾病和治疗方法的见解。

Osteoclasts are the only somatic cells with bone-resorbing capacity, and they play a critical role not only in normal bone homeostasis but also in the pathogenesis of bone destructive disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. To reveal the process of recruitment of osteoclast precursors to bone surface, I have exploited a new experimental method using intravital two-photon microscopy for bone tissues that have been originally developed. One of the specific subjects was the migration and positioning of osteoclast precursors by a combination of lipid mediator such as SIP and bone marrow chemokines. I believe this study provided a new concept in a variety of research field, and, beyond it basic implication, the findings led to insights into human diseases and the therapeutics.