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RANKL/RANK/OPG Pathway

Meaning

The RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway is a critical molecular signaling axis that tightly regulates bone remodeling, a continuous process involving the resorption of old bone by osteoclasts and the formation of new bone by osteoblasts. The pathway consists of three key proteins: Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor Kappa-B Ligand (RANKL), its receptor (RANK), and Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a decoy receptor. The balance between RANKL and OPG dictates the rate of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption; therefore, it is directly relevant to hormonal health, as hormones like estrogen and parathyroid hormone significantly modulate the expression of these components. Maintaining a healthy balance in this pathway is essential for preventing bone density loss and conditions like osteoporosis.