Temple University

Northeastern Ohio University

University of Health Sciences/the Chicago Medical School

Gary B Schneider

Steven N Popoff

Fayez F Safadi

Donna King

Agents for promoting bone deposition and growth in a mammalian subject. The agents are O-glycosylated and non-glycosylated peptides that are derived from vitamin D binding protein, collectively referred to hereinafter as 'DBP' peptides. The DBP peptides are from 3 to 18, preferably from 4 to 14 amino acids in length and comprise a sequence which is at least 80% identical, preferably at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of a fragment contained within domain III of DBP. Methods for promoting bone deposition in a subject in need of the same are also provided. The methods comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective quantity of an agent selected from the group consisting of an activated form of vitamin D binding protein referred to hereinafter as 'ADBP', one or more DBP peptides, and combinations thereof. The agents may be administered locally or systemically.

Agents and methods for promoting bone growth

An erythropoietin-inducible, erythroid-specific DNA construct is disclosed. The DNA construct comprises a promoter sequence from a sheep juvenile beta globin gene, an erythroid-specific enhancer sequence from the locus control region of the human beta globin gene and a nucleotide coding sequence of interest.

Erythropoietin-inducible, erythroid-specific DNA construct

Bone resorption by osteoclast cells is promoted by activated vitamin D-binding factor, thereby providing an effective treatment for osteopetrosis. Conversely, inflammation-mediated bone loss is inhibited with antibody against the activated factor, providing a treatment for inflammation-mediated osteolytic diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease. The antibodies are further utilized in an antigen binding assay for diagnosing inflammation-mediated bone loss.

Growing community of inventors

Hudson, OH, United States of America

Gary B Schneider