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Biology

Endocrine Regulation of Bone Remodeling via the RANKL/RANK/OPG Pathway

Quick fact

The same signaling pathway that controls bone resorption is also hijacked by some cancers, allowing them to 'eat' bone and create holes that let tumors spread. This pathway, RANKL/RANK/OPG, is so critical that a targeted antibody against RANKL (denosumab) is used to treat osteoporosis and cancer-related bone loss.

Why this is interesting

Your bones seem solid and permanent, but they are actually being constantly torn down and rebuilt. What if a simple molecular 'conversation' between cells determines whether you keep your bone density or lose it?