RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway

The RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway regulates bone remodeling, balancing bone formation and breakdown. RANKL, produced by nearby cells, binds to RANK receptors on osteoclast precursors, promoting their maturation into osteoclasts, which break down bone. OPG, a natural decoy receptor, binds to RANKL, preventing it from activating RANK and thus reducing bone resorption. This balance ensures healthy bone density; when it shifts toward more RANKL or less OPG, increased bone loss can occur, contributing to conditions like osteoporosis.