Research Progress Of RANKL/RANK/OPG System And Its Significance In Ankylosing Spondylitis

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB(RANK), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL) and osteoprotegerin(OPG) are the cytokines which regulate the differentiation and activation of osteoclast. RANKL/RANK/OPG system plays a vital role in bone metabolism. RANKL binds to its receptor, RANK, can induce differentiation and activation of osteoclast and inhibit osteoclast apoptosis. This process can be blocked by OPG, which can decrease bone destruction. The RANKL/RANK/OPG system is implicated in many bone loss disease. This system could be performed as a therapeutic target. Here we review the reseach progress of RANKL/RANK/OPG system and introduce its function in ankylosing spondylitis.