OPG/RANKL/RANK pathway

The OPG/RANKL/RANK pathway is a crucial part of bone health. RANKL is a protein that promotes the formation of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone. RANK, a receptor found on osteoclasts, binds to RANKL to activate these cells. OPG, another protein, acts as a decoy by binding to RANKL, preventing it from activating RANK. This regulation is vital for maintaining bone density: too much RANKL or too little OPG can lead to bone loss, while balanced levels support healthy bone remodeling. Understanding this pathway helps in addressing conditions like osteoporosis.