RANKL, the essential cue for osteoclast differentiation, is the membrane-bound factor expressed by osteoclastogenesis-supporting cells such as osteoblasts and osteocytes. In vivo evidence indicates that RANKL functions as the indispensable and irreplaceable in the program of osteoclast differentiation. The reason why RANKL plays a critical role in osteoclastogenesis is discussed from the viewpoint of the distinct signaling pathways mediated by co-stimulatory receptors and the key transcription factor NFATc1.
Hiroshi Takayanagi. RANKL as the master regulator of osteoclast differentiation. Journal of bone and mineral metabolism. 2021 Jan;39(1):13-18
PMID: 33385253
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