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A RANKL-based Osteoclast Culture Assay of Mouse Bone Marrow to Investigate the Role of mTORC1 in Osteoclast Formation
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Extra-osseous Roles of the RANK-RANKL-OPG Axis with a Focus on Skeletal Muscle.
John Gostage1,2,3, Paul Kostenuik4, Katarzyna Goljanek-Whysall1,3
1The Medical Research Council/Versus Arthritis Centre for Integrated Research Into Musculoskeletal Aging, CIMA, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Current Osteoporosis Reports
|September 26, 2024
Summary
The RANK-RANKL-OPG axis influences skeletal muscle health, with RANKL inhibition potentially improving muscle mass and function. Further research is needed to clarify its extra-osseous roles, especially in aging.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Skeletal Muscle Physiology
- Aging Research
Background:
- The RANK-RANKL-OPG axis is crucial for bone metabolism.
- Synchronous decline in bone and muscle health occurs in aging and disease.
- Emerging evidence suggests roles beyond bone homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the extra-osseous functions of the RANK-RANKL-OPG axis.
- To focus on the axis's role within skeletal muscle.
- To explore therapeutic potential in muscle aging and disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of signaling pathways.
- Investigation of RANKL inhibition effects.
Main Results:
- RANKL inhibition shows promise for improving skeletal muscle mass, function, and calcium homeostasis.
- RANKL may influence fiber-type switching and reduce fall incidence.
- Potential roles in neural-inflammation and glucose metabolism are suggested, but mechanistic clarity is lacking.
Conclusions:
- The RANK-RANKL-OPG axis plays a significant regulatory role in skeletal muscle.
- Targeting RANKL may offer novel therapeutic strategies for muscle wasting and dysfunction.
- More research is essential to establish causality and optimize therapeutic targeting in aging-related conditions.
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