The influence of palmitic and oleic acid on osteoclast function

Osteoclasts are specialized, bone-resorbing cells derived from the monocyte/macrophage lineage and are essential for maintaining bone homeostasis. Dysregulated osteoclast activity is a hallmark of various bone pathologies, including osteoporosis and osteomyelitis. Emerging evidence suggests that fatty acids, particularly palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA), modulate immune cell function and inflammatory responses. However, their specific roles in osteoclast differentiation, activation, and response to bacterial infection remain insufficiently understood. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a key pathogen in osteomyelitis that can invade and persist within osteoclasts, potentially exploiting them as intracellular reservoirs. The role of PA and OA in modulating osteoclast–S. aureus interactions, including bacterial uptake, intracellular survival, and host cell immune responses, has not been systematically explored. This project aims to develop a human in vitro osteoclast model to systematically investigate the effects of PA and OA on osteoclastogenesis, functional activity, and susceptibility to S. aureus infection. Furthermore, the model will be employed to assess the biological interaction of osteoclasts and S. aureus with graphene-based biomaterials, with a focus on biocompatibility and potential immunomodulatory effects. This study will contribute to a better understanding of how dietary lipids and biomaterials influence osteoclast behavior under physiological and pathological conditions, providing insights relevant to bone infection and implant integration.

PhD start: 05/01/2025