Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secretory glycoprotein that is a family member of the TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamily. Osteoprotegerin protects bone by blocking osteoclastogenesis and increasing bone density. Unlike other TNFRs, osteoprotegerin lacks a transmembrane domain as well as any apparent cell-associated signals. High levels of osteoprotegerin mRNA are found in specialized tissues such as lung, heart, kidney, and placenta. There is evidence that osteoprotegerin plays a role in degenerative arterial disease. Sandra et al used ELISA studies employing the osteoprotegerin antibody with hopes of understanding the bone resorption that occurs with the bone tumor ameloblastoma (1). Their findings seem to suggest that ameloblastoma secretes RANKL and TNF alpha. Some interesting studies looking at bone loss in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) used the osteoprotegerin antibody to establish a murine model of colitis-associated bone loss, and to demonstrate that IBD is associated alterations in the RANKL and OPG system2. Larson’s group used the osteoprotegerin antibody to create a detailed analysis of bone remodeling proteins associated with the osteoblastic and osteolytic response in human prostate cancer bone metastases3. The osteoprotegerin antibody enabled Australian researchers to determine that levels of both OPG and osteopontin (OPN) are upregulated in carotid atherosclerosis4.
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Immunohistochemistry-Paraffin: Osteoprotegerin Antibody
Pettit et al used osteoprotegerin antibody in their immunohistochemical characterizations of RANKL expression at the interfaces of articular bone erosion in human rheumatoid arthritis samples5. These researchers found that the resulting expression patterns of bone remodeling factors such as RANK, RANKL, and OPG creates a microenvironment highly conducive to osteoclast differentiation and activity.
Novus Biologicals offers Osteoprotegerin reagents for your research needs including:
PMID
