RANK Human

RANK is a type I transmembrane protein that interacts with its ligand, RANKL (Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor κ B Ligand), to activate downstream signaling pathways. The binding of RANKL to RANK triggers the activation of NF-κB (Nuclear Factor κ B), a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved in osteoclast differentiation, survival, and function .

The RANK/RANKL signaling pathway is essential for the formation, function, and survival of osteoclasts, which are the cells responsible for bone resorption. When RANKL binds to RANK, it promotes the differentiation of osteoclast precursors into mature osteoclasts and enhances their bone-resorbing activity. This process is tightly regulated by osteoprotegerin (OPG), a decoy receptor that binds to RANKL and prevents it from interacting with RANK .

Abnormalities in the RANK/RANKL/OPG system can lead to various bone disorders. For example, excessive RANKL activity can result in increased bone resorption and conditions such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone metastases. Conversely, insufficient RANKL activity can impair bone remodeling and lead to osteopetrosis .

Recombinant human RANK is a genetically engineered version of the natural receptor, produced using recombinant DNA technology. It is commonly used in research to study the RANK/RANKL signaling pathway and its role in bone metabolism and immune responses. Recombinant human RANK is typically expressed in cell lines such as HEK293 cells and is used in various assays to screen for inhibitors of RANKL/RANK signaling .

Recombinant human RANK is valuable in the development of therapeutic agents targeting the RANK/RANKL pathway. By understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying RANK/RANKL interactions, researchers can design drugs that modulate this pathway to treat bone-related diseases and certain cancers .