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Osteoprotegerin
Mammalian protein found in Homo sapiens / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Osteoprotegerin (OPG), also known as osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF) or tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 11B (TNFRSF11B), is a cytokine receptor of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily encoded by the TNFRSF11B gene.
OPG was first discovered as a novel secreted TNFR related protein that played a role in the regulation of bone density and later for its role as a decoy receptor for receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL).[5] OPG also binds to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and inhibits TRAIL induced apoptosis of specific cells, including tumour cells.[6] Other OPG ligands include syndecan-1, glycosaminoglycans, von Willebrand factor, and factor VIII-von Willebrand factor complex.[7]
OPG has been identified as having a role in tumour growth and metastasis,[6] heart disease,[8][9][10] immune system development and signalling,[7] mental health,[11] diabetes,[12] and the prevention of pre-eclampsia[13] and osteoporosis during pregnancy.[14]