Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secreted glycoprotein and member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. It functions primarily as a decoy receptor for the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), inhibiting RANKL’s ability to bind to its receptor RANK. Through this mechanism, OPG plays a critical role in regulating bone remodeling by suppressing osteoclast differentiation and activation, thereby reducing bone resorption. It is produced by osteoblasts, endothelial cells, and various immune cells and is also involved in vascular biology and immune responses.
In the clinical setting, OPG is being explored as a biomarker for bone-related disorders, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone metastases in cancer. Elevated serum OPG levels have also been associated with cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and vascular calcification, where it may reflect a compensatory response to vascular injury. Its diagnostic and prognostic potential in these conditions is under active investigation.
In research applications, OPG is widely used in studies of bone metabolism, inflammation, and oncology. It serves as a tool for understanding the RANK/RANKL/OPG axis in bone diseases and for evaluating therapeutic agents that modulate this pathway. Experimental manipulation of OPG levels (e.g., using recombinant OPG or gene knockouts) helps elucidate its broader physiological roles in immunity and vascular health, making it a valuable target in both basic and translational research.
This product is manufactured in Austria by Biomedica.