Inventors:
May S. Kung Sutherland - Bothell WA, US
James Charles Geoghegan - Seattle WA, US
John Latham - Seattle WA, US
Changpu Yu - Mill Creek WA, US
Assignee:
Celltech R & D, Inc. - Bothell WA
International Classification:
G01N 33/567
C12Q 1/02
C12Q 1/04
US Classification:
435 71, 435375, 436501, 514218
Abstract:
The SOST gene gives rise to sclerostin, a protein that leads to apoptosis of bone progenitor cells. The invention provides antagonists to the sclerostin protein, and methods for identifying new sclerostin antagonists. The invention also provides molecules that can depress expression of the SOST gene, as well as methods for identifying such molecules. Such molecules and antagonists are useful for increasing bone mineralization in mammals, for example, in the treatment of osteoporosis.
