Structure-function studies on the natural product wortmannin have iden
tified a 17 beta-hydroxy derivative as a potent inhibitor of osteoclas
t function in both cell and animal models. Mechanistic studies indicat
e osteoclast differentiation is dramatically affected by this class of
compounds. Interestingly, comparable potency trends for resorption an
d phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibition were also observed.