Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand Signaling Pathway (RANKL Signaling Pathway)

The Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand (RANKL) signaling pathway is a critical regulator of bone metabolism, immune function, and certain aspects of cancer biology. The pathway centers on the interaction between RANKL, its receptor RANK, and the decoy receptor OPG. This pathway plays a central role in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, and also modulates immune responses. Increased activity of this pathway contributes to diseases such as osteoporosis and cancer metastasis to bone. Therapeutic agents like denosumab target this pathway to inhibit bone resorption.

Other names

RANK PathwayRANK/RANKL/OPG Pathway

RANKL inhibitors prevent RANKL from binding to RANK, thus inhibiting osteoclast formation and bone resorption.