METHODS FOR INCREASING OR DECREASING BONE DENSITY AND IDENTIFYING MOLECULES

摘要

The SOST gene gives rise to sclerostin, a protein that leads to apoptosis of bone progenitor cells. The invention provides methods for identifying molecules that can depress expression of the SOST gene. The invention also provides methods for identifying new sclerostin antagonists. Such molecules and antagonists are useful for increasing bone mineralization in mammals, for example, in the treatment of osteoporosis.