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Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Development of a Human Preclinical Model of Osteoclastogenesis from Peripheral Blood Monocytes Co-cultured with Breast Cancer Cell Lines
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Development of a Human Preclinical Model of Osteoclastogenesis from Peripheral Blood Monocytes Co-cultured with Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Published on: September 13, 2017

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Osteoprotegerin in breast cancer: beyond bone remodeling

Michael Weichhaus1, Stephanie Tsang Mui Chung2, Linda Connelly3

  • 1Division of Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 3140 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI, 96816, USA. michael.weichhaus@chaminade.edu.

Molecular Cancer
|June 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) produced by breast tumors promotes cancer progression by blocking apoptosis and enhancing tumor growth and metastasis. OPG also supports angiogenesis, further contributing to breast cancer advancement.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a TNF Receptor superfamily member regulating bone metabolism by inhibiting osteoclast activity.
  • Early breast cancer research focused on exogenous OPG to prevent bone metastases-induced osteolysis.
  • Tumor-derived OPG exhibits distinct functions promoting breast cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the tumor-promoting effects of osteoprotegerin (OPG) produced by breast cancer cells.
  • To review evidence for OPG's role in tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of in vitro studies on OPG's effect on TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in breast cancer cells.
  • Analysis of in vivo studies investigating OPG expression in breast tumors and its impact on tumor progression.
  • Examination of OPG's influence on endothelial cell survival and tube formation.

Main Results:

  • Breast tumor-expressed OPG inhibits TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated apoptosis.
  • In vivo studies demonstrate that OPG promotes tumor growth and metastasis in breast cancer models.
  • OPG enhances angiogenesis by promoting endothelial cell survival and tube formation.

Conclusions:

  • Osteoprotegerin produced by breast tumors acts as a tumor promoter.
  • OPG contributes to breast cancer progression through anti-apoptotic, pro-growth, pro-metastatic, and pro-angiogenic mechanisms.

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