MODULATORS OF BONE HOMEOSTASIS IDENTIFIED IN A HIGH-THROUGHPUT SCREEN

摘要

The present invention provides a method for inducing differentiation of undifferentiated mammalian cells into osteoblasts, and a method for identifying a compound that induces differentiation of undifferentiated mammalian cells into osteoblasts. In addition, the present invention provides polynucleotide sequences and vectors for use as a medicament for the treatment of a disease involving a systemic or local decrease in mean bone density. Moreover, the present invention provides a method for in vitro production of bone tissue, osteoblast cells and use of the osteoblast cells for in vitro production of bone tissue. In addition, a method for diagnosing a pathological condition involving a systemic or local decrease in mean bone density or a susceptibility to the condition in a subject is provided.