Transcriptional regulation of bone and joint remodeling by NFAT

• Published in: Immunological reviews Vol. 233; no. 1; pp. 286 - 300
• Main Authors: Sitara, Despina, Aliprantis, Antonios O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Oxford, UK : Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2010; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Animals; Arthritis; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - genetics; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - metabolism; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - pathology; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - physiopathology; Bone diseases; Bone Remodeling; Bone Remodeling - genetics; Bone remodelling; Bone resorption; Calcineurin; Calcineurin - metabolism; Cartilage; Chondrogenesis; Chondrogenesis - genetics; Data processing; Gene regulation; genetics; Humans; Inflammation; Joint diseases; Joints; Joints - metabolism; Joints - pathology; metabolism; Morbidity; Mortality; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Neovascularization, Pathologic - genetics; Neovascularization, Pathologic - metabolism; NF-AT protein; NFAT; NFATC Transcription Factors; NFATC Transcription Factors - genetics; NFATC Transcription Factors - metabolism; osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis - genetics; Osteoarthritis - metabolism; Osteoarthritis - pathology; Osteoarthritis - physiopathology; osteoblast; Osteoblasts; Osteoblasts - metabolism; osteoclast; Osteoclasts; Osteoclasts - metabolism; Osteoporosis; Osteoporosis - genetics; Osteoporosis - metabolism; Osteoporosis - pathology; Osteoporosis - physiopathology; Pain; Pain - genetics; Pain - metabolism; Pain perception; pathology; physiopathology; rheumatoid arthritis; Transcription factors; Transcription, Genetic
• ISSN: 0105-2896; 1600-065X; 1600-065X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2009.00849.x

Osteoporosis and arthritis are highly prevalent diseases and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These diseases result from aberrant tissue remodeling leading to weak, fracture-prone bones or painful, dysfunctional joints. The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) transcription factor family controls diverse biologic processes in vertebrates. Here, we review the scientific evidence that links NFAT-regulated gene transcription to bone and joint pathology. A particular emphasis is placed on the role of NFATs in bone resorption and formation by osteoclasts and osteoblasts, respectively. In addition, emerging data that connect NFATs with cartilage biology, angiogenesis, nociception, and neurogenic inflammation are explored. The goal of this article is to highlight the importance of tissue remodeling in musculoskeletal disease and situate NFAT-driven cellular responses within this context to inspire future research endeavors.