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Transcription factor, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), is required for osteoclast formation in vivo and mice tacking both of the NF-κB p50 and p52 proteins are osteopetrotic. Here we address the relative roles of the two catalytic subunits of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex that mediate NF-κB activation, IKKα and IKKβ, in osteoclast formation and inflammation-induced bone loss. Our findings point out the importance of the IKKβ subunit as a transducer of signals from receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) to NF-κB. Although IKKα; is required for RANK ligand-induced osteoclast formation in vitro, it is not needed in vivo. However, IKKβ is required for osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo. IKKβ also protects osteoclasts and their progenitors from tumor necrosis factor α-induced apoptosis, and its loss in hematopoietic cells prevents inflammation-induced bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]