RANK（NF-κB受体活化因子）质粒

描述: RANK is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family. Human and murine RANK share 81% amino acid identity in their extracellular domains. RANK is widely expressed, with highest levels in skeletal muscle, thymus, liver, colon, small intestine and adrenal gland. RANK is also expressed in dendritic cells. RANK and RANK ligand (RANKL) are important regulators of interactions between T cells and dendritic cells. RANK is the essential signaling receptor for osteoclast differentiation factor in osteoclastogenesis. Multiple tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) are involved in the signaling of RANK. TRANCE (TNF-related activation-induced cytokines, also known as RANK ligand, osteoprotegerin ligand and osteoclast differentiation factor) is the ligand for RANK. The biological functions mediated by RANK include activation of NFkappaB and cjun N-terminal kinase, enhancement of T cell growth and dendritic cell function, induction of osteoclastogenesis and lymph node organogenesis. The soluble form of RANK is able to block TRANCE induced biological activity. The binding of anti-RANK to cell surface RANK triggers signal transduction and induces RANK mediated bioactivity

参考文献: # Kwan Tat S et al. Modulation of OPG, RANK and RANKL by human chondrocytes and their implication during osteoarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 48:1482-90 (2009). PubMed: 19762475