RANKL

Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), also known as TNFSF11 and OPGL, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TNFSF11 gene. RANKL is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) cytokine family. It is a ligand for osteoprotegerin and functions as a key factor for osteoclast differentiation and activation.

Function

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. RANKL is necessary for the survival and differentiation of bone marrow-derived osteoclast precursors into fully active osteoclasts.

Clinical significance

The interaction of RANKL with its receptor RANK is known to trigger a variety of downstream signaling pathways, including the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) pathways, which lead to the activation of gene transcription factors that regulate osteoclast differentiation, activation, and survival.

See also

• Osteoprotegerin
• Osteoclast
• Tumor necrosis factor

External links

• GeneReviews/NCBI/NIH/UW entry on Familial Expansile Osteolysis
• NCBI Gene