Erk1 Positively Regulates Osteoclast Differentiation and Bone Resorptive Activity
2011

Erk1's Role in Bone Cell Function

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): He Yongzheng, Staser Karl, Rhodes Steven D., Liu Yaling, Wu Xiaohua, Park Su-Jung, Yuan Jin, Yang Xianlin, Li Xiaohong, Jiang Li, Chen Shi, Yang Feng-Chun

Primary Institution: Indiana University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Erk1 positively regulates osteoclast differentiation and bone resorptive activity.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that Erk1 is crucial for osteoclast functions, and its disruption leads to increased bone mineral density.

Supporting Evidence

  • Erk1 disruption reduced osteoclast progenitor cell numbers.
  • Erk1−/− mice showed increased bone mineral density compared to WT mice.
  • Deletion of Erk1 impaired osteoclast differentiation and migration.

Takeaway

This study shows that a protein called Erk1 helps bone cells called osteoclasts do their job, and when Erk1 is missing, bones can become denser.

Methodology

The researchers used genetic disruption in mice to study the effects of Erk1 and Erk2 on osteoclast differentiation and function.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024780

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