title: JNK pathway in osteosarcoma: pathogenesis and therapeutics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase super family. JNK can phosphorylate a number of activator protein-1 components, activating several transcription factors, and thus, JNK signaling pathway is being involved in several carcinogenic mechanisms.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this study, we have reviewed the recent updates of the association of JNK pathway with osteosarcoma (OS), which is one of the most common and aggressive bone malignancies.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review, we have explored the databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, etc., and collected the most relevant papers of JNK signaling pathway involved in the pathogenesis and therapeutics of OS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Evidence showed that JNK is a master protein kinase that plays an important role in osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Interesting reports showed that chemical JNK inhibitors reduce OS cell proliferation and metastasis. Many of the components of this pathway have now been identified and the application of JNK inhibitors has been proven to work in vivo in human and in animal models; however, JNK pathway has not been translated into clinical use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Therapeutic interventions of potent and selective inhibitors of JNK might provide promising therapeutic approaches for the treatment of OS, and could improve the survival rate and quality of life of OS patients.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthopaedics , Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Changsha , China.
authors.forename: Yu-Sheng
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthopaedics , Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Changsha , China.
authors.forename: Zhen-Han
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Deng
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthopaedics , Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Changsha , China.
authors.forename: Chao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zeng
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthopaedics , Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Changsha , China.
authors.forename: Guang-Hua
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Lei
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics*; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1 / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
keywords: JNK inhibitors; c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase pathway; matrix metalloproteinase; mitogen-activated protein kinase; osteosarcoma