Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Stimulation of Notch Signaling in Mouse Osteoclast Precursors
Published on: February 28, 2017
Transforming growth factor-beta enables NFATc1 expression during osteoclastogenesis
S W Fox1, K E Evans, A C Lovibond
1School of Biological Science, Ecotoxicology and Stress Biology Group, Room 404 Davy, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
Abstract:
Osteoclastogenesis is dependent on distinct stimuli that prime and activate osteoclast differentiation. One cytokine needed to prime monocytes for osteoclastogenesis is TGF-beta, which enables and augments RANKL and TNF-alpha-induced osteoclast differentiation. However, the precise time-period during which this occurs and the molecular mechanism mediating this action are unknown. We report here TGF-beta prime monocytes for osteoclast formation within 24h by regulating expression of NFATc1, a key osteoclastic transcription factor. TGF-beta directly induces cytoplasmic NFATc1 expression within 24h, but is unable to stimulate NFATc1 nuclear translocation. Furthermore, RANKL-induced NFATc1 expression is dependent on the presence of TGF-beta during the early stages of osteoclastogenesis. Similarly, TNF-alpha activates osteoclastogenesis by stimulating translocation of TGF-beta-induced NFATc1. In light of these findings, it is apparent that osteoclast formation is dependent on coordinated interactions between TGF-beta and RANKL/TNF-alpha that regulate the expression and intracellular distribution of NFATc1 during early stages of osteoclast differentiation.
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
NF-kB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathway

