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Updated: May 30, 2026
09:37
A RANKL-based Osteoclast Culture Assay of Mouse Bone Marrow to Investigate the Role of mTORC1 in Osteoclast Formation
Published on: March 15, 2018
Relationship between serum RANKL and RANKL in bone
1Discipline of Orthopaedics and Trauma, University of Adelaide, Level 4 Bice Building, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide 5000, SA, Australia. david.findlay@adelaide.edu.au
Summary
This review examines circulating receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL) levels. It clarifies the origins of RANKL and highlights data gaps for its use in bone health diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Bone Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin are critical regulators of bone turnover.
- Numerous studies report circulating RANKL levels in various health and disease states.
- The clinical interpretation of circulating RANKL levels remains challenging due to unclear origins and bone-level correlations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the known origins of circulating RANKL.
- To assess the current understanding of the relationship between serum RANKL and bone RANKL.
- To identify necessary information for the diagnostic and research utility of serum RANKL.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on RANKL and bone turnover.
- Analysis of published data on circulating RANKL levels.
- Synthesis of information regarding RANKL physiology and pathology.
Main Results:
- Circulating RANKL has multiple potential sources.
- A clear correlation between circulating RANKL and bone RANKL levels is not yet established.
- Current data are insufficient for reliable diagnostic or research applications of serum RANKL.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise origins and significance of circulating RANKL.
- Establishing the link between serum RANKL and bone RANKL is crucial for clinical application.
- Serum RANKL measurements require more validation before widespread diagnostic use in bone diseases.
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