Temple University

Northeastern Ohio University

Other

University of Health Sciences/the Chicago Medical School

Steven N Popoff

Fayez F Safadi

Gary B Schneider

Thomas A Owen

Steven L Smock

The invention provides osteoactivin proteins and nucleic acid molecules that encode the same, as well as biologically functional expression vectors containing nucleic acid molecules encoding osteoactivin proteins, and antibodies specific for osteoactivin proteins. The invention also provides therapeutic and diagnostic compositions and methods for utilizing the proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids, and vectors of the invention, for example, to modulate bone formation.

Osteoactivin protein and nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions and methods of stimulating bone differentiation

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

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.

Treatment of osteopetrotic diseases

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Warrington, PA, United States of America

Steven N Popoff