RANKL biology

Since the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), its cognate receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK), and the decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) were discovered, a number of studies have uncovered the crucial role of the RANKL-RANK-OPG pathway in controlling the key aspect of bone homeostasis, the immune system, inflammation, cancer, and other systems under pathophysiological condition. These findings have expanded the understanding of the multifunctional biology of the RANKL-RANK-OPG pathway and led to the development of therapeutic potential targeting this pathway. The successful development and application of anti-RANKL antibody in treating diseases causing bone loss validates the utility of therapeutic approaches based on the modulation of this pathway. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of the RANKL-RANK pathway in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, shedding light on the RANKL-RANK dual signaling in coupling bone resorption and bone formation. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of the RANKL-RANK-OPG system in the context of the bone and the immune system as well as the impact of this pathway in disease conditions, including cancer development and metastasis.