RANKL

RANKL (short for " Receptor Activator of NF -kB ligand" ) is a 1997 discovered protein of the family of tumor necrosis factors (TNF ), which is crucial in the regulation of bone formation and degradation. The protein is also known under the name of TRANCE (TNF -related activation-induced cytokine ), CD254, OPGL and ODF. RANKL is produced by osteoblasts and Others (cells that build bone ) secreted and binds to the "fitting" receptor RANK monocytic osteoclast precursor cells, causing their differentiation into osteoclasts ( cells that break down bone again). The RANK / RANKL system is a biochemical control circuit which causes the bone loss remains with the bone structure in a healthy balance, which is a prerequisite for the dynamic architecture of the bone system. This system can be disrupted in various diseases, and is therefore of practical interest for medicine. The monoclonal antibody denosumab is an antibody against RANKL and can in diseases associated with overactive osteoclasts (eg, osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis), are used.

Regulation

RANKL can be antagonized by the also by osteoblasts secreted osteoprotegerin (OPG ). OPG operates as a so-called capturing receptor for RANKL, which is thus not in contact with the receptor specific for them on the RANK osteoclast Progenitorzellenoberfläche. Thus, osteoblasts counteract through the production of osteoprotegerin in osteoclast differentiation via RANKL path itself. This balance is regulated as follows:

Protein isoform Human Genome Organisation Receptor antagonist Calcitriol Calcitriol receptor Parathyroid hormone
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