The SOST gene gives rise to sclerostin, a protein that leads to apoptosis of bone progenitor cells. The invention provides methods for identifying molecules that can depress expression of the SOST gene. The invention also provides methods for identifying new sclerostin antagonists. Such molecules and antagonists are useful for increasing bone mineralization in mammals, for example, in the treatment of osteoporosis.
SOST
基因可产生硬骨蛋白,这是一种导致骨祖细胞凋亡的蛋白质。本发明提供了鉴定可抑制 SOST
基因表达的分子的方法。本发明还提供了鉴定新的硬骨素拮抗剂的方法。这些分子和拮抗剂可用于增加哺乳动物的骨矿化,例如治疗骨质疏松症。