RANKL and RANK: From Mammalian Physiology to Cancer Treatment

RANK and RANKL are key molecules in bone physiology and regulate multiple aspects of the immune system. RANKL/RANK regulate the sex hormone progesterone, which promotes lactating mammary gland development during pregnancy, mammary stem cell expansion and proliferation, and drive the formation of hormone-induced breast cancer. RANKL/RANK control BRCA1 mutation-driven breast cancer, and its inhibition could be used as a preventative strategy. The...