RANKL

'RANKL' ('Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor κ B Ligand'), also known as TNF-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE), osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL), and ODF (osteoclast differentiation factor) is a molecule important in bone metabolism. This natural and necessary surface-bound molecule activates osteoclasts, cells involved in bone resorption. Overproduction of RANKL is implicated in a variety of degenerative bone diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteomyelitis. RANKL also has a function in the immune system, where it is expressed by T helper cells and is thought to be involved in dendritic cell maturation.

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See also

Reference

External links

See also

★ RANK

★ Osteoprotegerin

★ Osteoimmunology

Reference

★ The long and the short of bone therapy, Whyte M, , , N Engl J Med, 2006 link

External links

★ http://www.networksandpathways.org/pathway?name=RANKL&description=RANKL

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