title: NF-kappaB functions in osteoclasts.
abstract: NF-kappaB is a pleiotropic transcription factor, which regulates osteoclast formation, function, and survival. The finding that the deletion of both NF-kappaB p50 and p52 subunits resulted in osteopetrosis due to the absence of osteoclasts was followed by the observation that NF-kappaB is essential for RANK-expressing osteoclast precursors to differentiate into TRAP+ osteoclasts in response to RANKL and other osteoclastogenic cytokines. Thus, inhibitors of NF-kappaB should prevent osteoclast formation induced directly or indirectly by RANKL or TNF. In this mini review, we discuss the research findings that revealed essential roles of NF-kappaB signaling in osteoclasts.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. hnsnit@yahoo.com
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Soysa
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Alles
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D010022:Osteopetrosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D016328:NF-kappa B