Role of RANKL in Alveolar Epithelial Cell Regeneration: Potential Novel Contributor to Lung Tissue Repair

    October 2023 in “ bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) ”
    Habibie Habibie, Shanshan Song, Carian E. Boorsma, Kurnia Sari Setio Putri, Catharina Reker‐Smit, Jelmer Vlasma, Mitchel J. R. Ruigrok, Robbert H. Cool, Xinhui Wu, Yizhou Wang, Wim J. Quax, Peter Olinga, Corry‐Anke Brandsma, Wim Timens, Janette K. Burgess, Barbro N. Melgert
    TLDR RANKL helps regenerate lung cells, potentially aiding lung repair in diseases like COPD.
    The study investigates the role of receptor activator for NF-κβ ligand (RANKL) in lung tissue regeneration, particularly focusing on type II alveolar epithelial cells. Using an organoid model and in vivo experiments, researchers found that RANKL promotes the regeneration of these cells, which are crucial for lung tissue repair. This effect was observed in organoids derived from COPD patients and was inhibited by osteoprotegerin, a RANKL inhibitor. The study suggests that RANKL could be a novel target for enhancing lung repair in diseases like COPD and fibrosis, highlighting its potential clinical implications.
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