Methods and compositions for identifying inhibitors of osteoclastic bone reabsorption

摘要

This invention provides methods of screening a test agent for the ability to reduce osteoclastic bone reabsorption. In a preferred embodiment, the methods involve screening the agent for the ability to inhibit tumor necrosis factor (TNF- alpha ) expression through activity at an inhibitory TNF- alpha -responsive element (TNF-RE) in the tumor necrosis factor promoter or through activity at a complex formed by an estrogen receptor at TNF-Re.