Congenital osteopetrotic mutations as probes of the origin, structure, and function of osteoclasts.

Progress has been made in recent years on the cell biology of the osteoclast and the pathogenesis of congenital osteopetrosis. New information is critically evaluated and summarized with respect to the origin, structure, and function of osteoclasts with special reference to osteopetroses. A broader perspective emerges from which to consider the biology of osteoclasts, the heterogeneities in the osteopetroses, and the value of each in elucidating the other, along with treatment of the disorder.