Role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in cancer.

Journal article

OPG (osteoprotegerin), a secreted member of the TNF (tumour necrosis factor) receptor superfamily, has a variety of biological functions which include the regulation of bone turnover. OPG is a potent inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption and has been investigated as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of both osteoporosis and tumour-induced bone disease. Indeed, in murine models of cancer-induced bone disease, inhibition of osteoclastic activity by OPG was also associated with a reduction in tumour burden. The discovery that OPG can bind to and inhibit the activity of TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) triggered extensive research into the potential role of OPG in the regulation of tumour cell survival. A number of reports from studies using in vitro models have shown that OPG protects tumour cells from the effects of TRAIL, thereby possibly providing tumour cells that produce OPG with a survival advantage. However, the ability of OPG to act as a tumour cell survival factor remains to be verified using appropriate in vivo systems. A third area of interest has been the use of OPG as a prognostic marker in various cancer types, including myeloma, breast and prostate cancer. This review provides an overview of the role of OPG in cancer, both in cancer-induced bone disease and in tumour growth and survival.

Authors: Holen, I; Shipman, C

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Clinical science (London, England : 1979)
• Volume: 110
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 279-291
• Publication date: 2006-03-01
• DOI: 10.1042/cs20050175
• EISSN: 1470-8736
• ISSN: 0143-5221
• Language: English
• Keywords: Female; Cell Survival; Apoptosis; Male; Humans; Osteoprotegerin; Bone Remodeling; Glycoproteins; Bone Resorption; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Neoplasms; Animals; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor