Description
RANKL (Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor κ B Ligand), also known as TNF-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE), osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL), and ODF (osteoclast differentiation factor), is a molecule important in bone metabolism. This natural and necessary surface-bound molecule found on osteoblasts serves to activate osteoclasts, which are the cells involved in bone resorption. Overproduction of RANKL is implicated in a variety of degenerative bone diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis