COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING GALECTIN-3 MODULATORS FOR THE TREATMENT OF BONE DISORDERS

摘要

The invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment, prophylaxis and diagnosis of disorders associated with aberrant bone mineral density. More particularly, the invention relates to increasing Galectin-3 levels in mesenchymal stem cells to increase osteogenesis. Compositions comprising Galectin-3 or nucleic acids encoding Galectin-3 may be administered systemically or locally and are useful for the treatment of diseases like osteoporosis and for accelerating bone healing. The invention also relates to methods for diagnosing bone diseases, wherein the level of Galectin-3 is measured.