Osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP)

Osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP) is a multipass transmembrane cell surface receptor encoded by the OCSTAMP gene, found on human chromosome 20[1][3]. It is strongly induced by RANKL and is required for the fusion of osteoclast precursors into multinucleated osteoclasts, a process essential for bone resorption[5]. OC-STAMP has little overall homology to other proteins except for partial similarity to DC-STAMP, another protein involved in osteoclast fusion. Knockdown or inhibition of OC-STAMP blocks osteoclast multinucleation and bone resorption, whereas overexpression promotes these processes[5][8]. It is highly expressed in bone and is a prognostic indicator in multiple myeloma, where elevated levels correlate with disease progression and poorer outcomes[7]. OC-STAMP is also implicated in pathological bone remodeling, inflammation, and fibrotic diseases[9]. There are no known approved drugs that directly target this molecule; however, it represents a novel therapeutic target and biomarker for certain bone-related cancers and diseases[1][7][10].

Other names

OCSTAMPC20orf123dJ257E24.3OC-STAMP

Targeting OC-STAMP inhibits osteoclast fusion and differentiation