NOGGIN AND ANTAGONISTS OF BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEINS TO SUPPRESS PATHOLOGIC BONE RESORPTION

摘要

The present invention demonstrates that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are essential for both osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow cell cultures. Furthermore, the present invention demonstrates that noggin, a natural antagonist of BMP action, is able to control and coordinate the continuous supply of osteoblasts and osteoclasts needed for the remodeling of the adult skeleton. Therefore, the present invention is directed towards the use of noggin, or compounds that interfere with noggin, as therapeutic agents in the regulation of osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis, thereby controlling bone remodeling in the adult skeleton.