In this Case History, Lacey and colleagues chronicle the events that led to an increased understanding of osteoclast biology, beginning with the identification of the pathway mediated by osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and RANK. They discuss the strategies that were followed to target this pathway, culminating in the development of the RANKL-specific antibody denosumab, which is now approved for the treatment of osteoporosis and the prevention of cancer-related skeletal events.
- David L. Lacey
- William J. Boyle
- Roger Dansey
