Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Exhibit High-Turnover Osteoporosis

Abstract

Overexpression of MIF causes high-turnover osteoporosis in mice. The increased expression of MMPs in bone was suggested, at least in part, as one cause of this phenotype, because MMPs plays important roles for bone resorption without affecting the formation of osteoclasts. This model provides evidence of the role played by MIF in bone remodeling and balance.