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RANK/RANKL/OPG System

Meaning

The RANK/RANKL/OPG System is a crucial molecular signaling pathway that functions as the central regulator of bone remodeling, precisely balancing the activity between bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts. RANK (Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor kappa-B) and its ligand, RANKL, promote the differentiation and survival of osteoclasts, which break down bone matrix. OPG (Osteoprotegerin) acts as a soluble decoy receptor that competitively inhibits RANKL binding.