title: The emerging role of Dickkopf-1 in bone biology: is it the main switch controlling bone and joint remodeling?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), an inhibitor of the Wnt pathway, has recently emerged as an important player in several critical aspects of bone biology.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed an extensive internet search (MEDLINE) using the key words Dickkopf-1 and the abbreviation DKK-1.
  
  
  RESULTS
  DKK-1 is a regulator of bone mass with increased expression linked to osteopenia and decreased expression to high bone mass. Moreover, it appears to actively participate in joint remodeling in animal models of arthritis, with increased levels related to bone resorption and decreased levels to new bone formation. Recent studies indicate its possible involvement in the remodeling process of human systemic rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. DKK-1 may also play a role in osteoarthritis, metabolic bone disease (osteoporosis and Paget's disease), as well as multiple myeloma-associated bone disease and prostate cancer bone metastases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DKK-1 is a regulator of bone mass and joint remodeling. It may be a promising therapeutic target in osteoporosis; monoclonal antibody-based inhibition of Dkk-1 is already under development for osteoporosis treatment. Its role as a regulator of joint remodeling in animal models requires further exploration in humans.
authors: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Patras University Hospital, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece. jimdaoussis@hotmail.com
authors: Dimitrios
authors: D
authors: Daoussis
authors: Andrew P
authors: AP
authors: Andonopoulos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000502:physiology*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: C501126:DKK1 protein, human; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins