What does RANKL stand for
Mia Kelly
Published Feb 17, 2026
Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), also known as tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 11 (TNFSF11), TNF-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE), osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL), and osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TNFSF11 …
What is RANKL in osteoporosis?
The interaction of RANK with its ligand (RANKL) has been identified as the final common pathway through which bone resorption is regulated [29]. By binding to its receptor RANK on osteoclastic precursors, RANKL controls the differentiation, proliferation, and survival of osteoclasts.
What are the nutrition side effects of rank inhibitors?
The trace element strontium has the dual effects of preventing bone resorption and promoting bone formation. Studies have shown that strontium mainly functions through the OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway, resulting in decreased bone resorption (Mi et al., 2017).
Is prolia a RANKL inhibitor?
Prolia® is the first FDA approved RANK Ligand inhibitor for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture. Find out how Prolia® works as an antiresorptive treatment. Prolia® is an antiresorptive RANK Ligand inhibitor, and its mechanism of action makes it different than a bisphosphonate.What causes the RANKL?
In inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the numbers of immune and accessory cells are increased in affected joints. Some of these cells produce RANKL in response to locally elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators.
How do RANKL inhibitors work?
It is a receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) inhibitor, which binds to and inhibits osteoblast-produced RANKL, in turn reduces the binding between RANKL and osteoclast receptor RANK, therefore decreases osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and turnover.
Who produces RANKL?
In this context, RANKL that mediate osteoclastogenesis is produced by the synovial fibroblasts under inflammation, as well as T helper 17 (TH17) cells, especially those that with a history of Foxp3 expression (exFoxp3 TH17 cells) (Fig. 1c) [48,49,50].
How does estrogen affect osteoporosis?
Menopause predisposes women to osteoporosis due to declining estrogen levels. This results in a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and an increase in fractures.Where is RANKL located?
RANKL (receptor activator for nuclear factor κ B ligand) is found on the surface of stromal cells, osteoblasts, and T cells.
What is the best exercise for someone with osteoporosis?Examples include walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines, stair climbing and gardening. These types of exercise work directly on the bones in your legs, hips and lower spine to slow mineral loss. They also provide cardiovascular benefits, which boost heart and circulatory system health.
Article first time published onWhat type of exercise is best for osteoporosis?
- Walking.
- Jogging.
- Climbing stairs.
- Jumping rope.
- Hiking.
- Dancing.
- Pilates & yoga.
Why is Prolia good for osteoporosis?
Prolia works by decreasing bone breakdown in your body. This leads to reduced bone loss and helps to treat osteoporosis. Prolia is given by healthcare providers as an injection under your skin (called a subcutaneous injection).
Is prolia worth the risk?
Studies have found that Prolia is generally safe and effective to treat osteoporosis and certain types of bone loss. For example, in the studies, people taking Prolia for up to 8 years didn’t have significant side effects compared with people taking a placebo. (A placebo is a treatment with no active drug.)
What foods are bad for osteoporosis?
- Salt. …
- Caffeine. …
- Soda. …
- Red Meat. …
- Alcohol. …
- Wheat Bran. …
- Liver and Fish Liver Oil.
Do you get pain with osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is not usually painful until a bone is broken, but broken bones in the spine are a common cause of long-term pain. Although a broken bone is often the first sign of osteoporosis, some older people develop the characteristic stooped (bent forward) posture.
What stimulates RANKL expression?
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates osteoclast formation by binding to its receptor on stromal/osteoblastic cells and stimulating the production of receptor activator of NFkappaB ligand (RANKL) and inhibiting the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG).
What is the interaction between RANK and RANK important for?
The high-affinity interaction between RANK and RANKL, maintained by continuous contact between the pair rather than the patched interaction commonly observed, is necessary for the function because a slightly reduced affinity induced by mutation produces significant disruption of osteoclast formation.
Does estrogen increase OPG?
Estrogen stimulates OPG expression mainly at a transcriptional level through the estrogen receptor (ER), particularly ERα (13–15,18). Furthermore, an estrogen response element has been identified in the OPG promoter (19).
How do bisphosphonates work?
Bisphosphonates are drugs that target areas of higher bone turnover. The osteoclast cells, which break down old bone, absorb the bisphosphonate drug. Their activity is slowed down. This reduces bone breakdown.
What is RANKL biology?
Receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) ligand (RANKL) induces the differentiation of monocyte/macrophage-lineage cells into the bone-resorbing cells called osteoclasts.
Do osteoblasts produce RANKL?
RANKL is expressed on osteoblasts and T cells. It binds the receptor RANK, which is produced on osteoclasts and their progenitors. The interaction of RANK with RANKL is required for osteoclast formation, differentiation, activation and survival.
What is the other name for Prolia?
Before receiving denosumab injection, you should know that denosumab injection is available under the brand names Prolia and Xgeva.
What is another name for denosumab?
Denosumab is also known by its brand names, Xgeva and Prolia. It helps to prevent fractures and other cancer related bone problems in adults with cancer that has spread to the bones.
What causes osteopetrosis?
The X-linked type of osteopetrosis, OL-EDA-ID, results from mutations in the IKBKG gene. In about 30 percent of all cases of osteopetrosis, the cause of the condition is unknown. The genes associated with osteopetrosis are involved in the formation, development, and function of specialized cells called osteoclasts.
What cell produces OPG?
Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is secreted by osteoblasts and osteogenic stromal stem cells and protects the skeleton from excessive bone resorption by binding to RANKL and preventing it from interacting with RANK. The RANKL/OPG ratio in bone marrow is thus an important determinant of bone mass in normal and disease states.
What does cathepsin K do?
Cathepsin K is a protease, which is defined by its high specificity for kinins, that is involved in bone resorption. The enzyme’s ability to catabolize elastin, collagen, and gelatin allows it to break down bone and cartilage.
What type of molecule is rankl and what is its receptor on osteoclasts?
RANKL is a type II transmembrane protein that is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family of cytokines that is an essential mediator of osteoclast activation (Kong et al., 1999). RANKL mediates its effects by binding to the receptor activator of nuclear kappa B (RANK).
What are the symptoms of estrogen deficiency?
- Breast tenderness. Sore breasts are a telltale sign of low estrogen that’s normal. …
- Fatigue and sleep issues. …
- Irregular menstrual cycles. …
- Disappearing menstrual cycles. …
- Mood swings and depression. …
- Headaches. …
- Hot flashes and night sweats. …
- Frequent urinary tract infections.
How can I increase my bone density after 60?
- Think calcium. Women up to age 50 and men up to age 70 need 1,000 milligrams daily; women over 50 and men over 70 should get 1,200 milligrams daily.
- And vitamin D. …
- Exercise. …
- Don’t smoke. …
- Drink alcohol moderately, if at all. …
- Remember protein. …
- Maintain an appropriate body weight.
What is the best HRT for osteoporosis?
Tibolone, a selective tissue estrogenic activity regulator (STEAR), is effective in the treatment of vasomotor symptoms, vaginal atrophy and prevention/treatment of osteoporosis with a clinical efficacy similar to that of conventional HRT.
How should you sleep with osteoporosis?
Lying Down and Getting Out of Bed When lying on your side in bed, use one pillow between your knees and one under your head to keep your spine aligned and increase your comfort. When lying on your back in bed, use one or two pillows under your knees and one under your head.