HA4, A NEW OSTEOBLAST- AND CHONDROCYTE-SPECIFIC SMALL SECRETED PEPTIDE, COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

A polypeptide designated HA4, expressed selectively by bone tissue, is provided. Transgenic animals that fail to express HA4 have bone formation abnormalities reflective of osteoporosis, Also provided are methods for promoting bone formation by increasing the activity or expression of HA4, methods of diagnosing or treating bone degenerative diseases, and methods of screening for drugs that alter bone formation.