Key roles of the OPG-RANK-RANKL system in bone oncology

Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2007 Feb;7(2):221-32. doi: 10.1586/14737140.7.2.221.

Abstract

Osteoprotegerin (OPG)-receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB (RANK) and RANK ligand (RANKL) have been identified as members of a ligand-receptor system that directly regulates osteoclast differentiation and osteolysis. RANKL may be a powerful inducer of bone resorption through its interaction with RANK, and OPG is a soluble decoy receptor that acts as a strong inhibitor of osteoclastic differentiation. Any dysregulation of their respective expression leads to pathological conditions. Furthermore, recent data demonstrate that the OPG-RANK-RANKL system modulates cancer cell migration, thus controlling the development of bone metastases. This review describes the most recent knowledge on the OPG-RANK-RANKL system, its involvement in bone oncology and the new therapeutic approaches based on this molecular triad.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Bone Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Bone Remodeling / physiology
  • Bone Resorption / metabolism
  • Bone Resorption / pathology
  • Bone Resorption / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Osteoprotegerin / physiology*
  • RANK Ligand / physiology*
  • Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B / physiology*

Substances

  • Osteoprotegerin
  • RANK Ligand
  • Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B
  • TNFRSF11A protein, human