In planta production of human-derived RANKL

RANKL (Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand) is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in bone remodeling by regulating differentiation and activation of osteoclast, which breaks down old bone tissue. In this study, we attempted to produce human-derived RANKL using plant expression systems. The RANKL expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves was designed to accumulate within the endoplasmic reticulum lumen. The purified RANKL from N. benthamiana induced the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to mature osteoclast, albeit modestly. In conclusion, human-derived RANKL could be produced using a plant expression system, but it requires further improvement.