Cell signaling and transcriptional regulation of osteoclast lineage commitment, differentiation, bone resorption and diseases

Abstract Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells that play a central role in normal bone remodeling and contribute to bone loss associated with pathological conditions such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal disease, and bone metastases of cancer. The commitment, differentiation, and function of osteoclasts depend on the establishment of specific gene expression patterns orchestrated through a network of transcription factors, which are sequentially activated by osteoclastogenic signals. This review provides an updated overview of the roles of key signaling pathways (e.g., RANKL signaling, NF-κB signaling and Gα 13 signaling), transcription factors (e.g., PU.1, C/EBP-α, NFATc1 and…

• FF
  Foundation for the National Institutes of Health

  Awards: AR075735, AR070135, DE023813, AG056438