SECRETED MODULAR CALCIUM BINDING PROTEIN FOR INTRACELLULAR MODULATION OF BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEIN SIGNALING

摘要

A method for modulating Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling activity in a cell or tissue of a vertebrate subject is provided which comprises administering a polynucleotide or polypeptide encoding a Secreted Modular Calcium Binding Protein (SMOC) polypeptide, or a conservatively modified variant, derivative, or analog thereof, in an amount effective to activate intracellular Mitogen Activated Protein (MAP) kinase activity and to reduce BMP signaling activity in the cell or tissue of the vertebrate subject. Methods for treating joint disorders in a mammalian subject are provided.