GENE EXPRESSION PROFILES ASSOCIATED WITH OSTEOBLAST DIFFERENTIATION

摘要

The present invention identifies genes whose expression pattern is altered when precursor stem cells undergo differentiation into osteoblasts. The genes identified may be used as markers for the differentiation process. The present invention also provides methods to screen agents that are capable of modulating the differentiation process. The present invention also provides methods of identifying therapeutic agents that stimulate bone information by analyzing the expression of one or more of the genes identified.