The activity of osteoclasts is regulated by signaling pathways involving RANK (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β) and its ligand RANKL, which are essential for osteoclast differentiation and activation. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a decoy receptor for RANKL, inhibits osteoclast activity by preventing RANKL from binding to RANK. Hormones like calcitonin and estrogen also play significant roles in inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.
