Role of RANKL in Alveolar Epithelial Cell Regeneration: Potential Novel Contributor to Lung Tissue Repair
October 2023
in “
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
”
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 could enhance 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 contributor to lung tissue repair, with potential clinical implications for treating lung diseases such as COPD and fibrosis.