Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 4: a new receptor of RANKL for osteoclast regulation

Bones are constantly remodelled through the coordinate work by the bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Physiologically, the osteoblast-mediated bone formation and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption are coupled for maintaining bone homeostasis. However, such coupling is disrupted in pathological conditions such as osteoporosis that is caused by the hyperactivated bone resorption or insufficient bone formation (1).