RANK ligand from mouse has been used to visualize differentiated osteoclasts and to stimulate osteoclast differentiation.
Tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 11 (Tnfsf11) or receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) is a type II transmembrane signaling receptor. It has a molecular weight of about 35kDa. The protein possesses an amino-terminal intracellular tail and a carboxy-terminal extracellular region, which has a connecting stalk and a receptor-binding domain.
Tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 11 (Tnfsf11) or RANKL has an important role in osteoclast function and differentiation. It binds to RANK and osteoprotegrin (OPG). Bioactivities of RANKL may be attributed to its binding to these two receptor molecules. Mouse and human RANKL share 85% amino acid sequence identity.