Abstract: A novel leaching process for separating extractable material from a particulate solid material that comprises extractable and non-extractable portions includes the steps of introducing the particulate solid material and a liquid solvent to an extraction zone; agitating the liquid solvent to a degree sufficient to suspend the particulate solid material and effect segregation of particles thereof in relation to their propensity to settle; maintaining contact between the liquid solvent and the particulate solid material for a time sufficient to leach extractable material therefrom; and selectively withdrawing particles of the solid material from the extraction zone. In a preferred embodiment, the leaching process is a multi-stage process in which the selectively withdrawn particles from each stage are introduced to the next successive stage of the series.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique methodologies for inducing new bone apposition in-vivo generally or at a localized site and for therapeutically treating a subject afflicted with a pathological disorder of bone which is characterized by a deficiency of calcium ions in the bone matrix. The methodology for treating generalized defective skeletile mineralization comprises administering sufficient quantities of .alpha..sub.2 HS-glycoprotein to the subject such that the concentration of this naturally occurring plasma protein is not substantially less than about 600 micrograms per milliliter of serum in-vivo. Alternatively, the method for treatment of localized defective skeletile mineralization comprises administration of a therapeutic admixture containing about 300 mircograms of .alpha..sub.2 HS-glycoprotein per gram of filler material to the site of skeletal defect.

Abstract: A protein extracted from demineralized bone matrix exhibiting bone-inducing activity is disclosed as well as a method for the rapid isolation and purification of the protein to an essentially homogeneous state. Pharmaceutically acceptable compositions containing the bone-inducing protein and suitable pharmaceutical carriers are also described.

Abstract: The production and isolation of bone morphogenetic peptide agents displaying the osteoinductive and immunoreactive activity of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and deriving from natural, synthetic or recombinant DNA sources, and said agents.

Abstract: BMP compositions including the human factor and bovine factor thereof, the process of isolating BMP compositions and factors, and the use of such factors and compositions to induce bone formation in animals.

Abstract: A method of isolating cell surface receptors utilizing a short peptide sequence bound to an affinity column. Cell surface receptors which bind selectively to the short peptide and which are specific to various adhesion proteins may be isolated therewith from various cell preparations. These receptors, whose functional integrity has been maintained by the presence of the peptide ligand, are incorporated into liposomes and used to deliver specific compounds inside the liposomes to select tissues containing the specific adhesion proteins.

Abstract: Two proteins that are found in bone and that have in vivo chondrogenic/osteogenic activity in combination with a co-factor are described. Both proteins also were active in combination with EGF in the in vitro TGF-.beta. assay. Each has a molecular weight of approximately 26,000 daltons by SDS-PAGE. Each is reduced to a single polypeptide indicating that the proteins are probably homodimers. One has an N-terminal sequence identical to that of human placenta-derived TGF-.beta. whereas the other has an N-terminal sequence that is different from that of TGF-.beta. derived from human placenta. The two proteins may be purified to homogeneity using RP-HPLC or acetic acid-urea gel electrophoresis.

Abstract: BMP compositions including the human factor and bovine factor thereof, the process of isolating BMP compositions and factors, and the use of such factors and compositions to induce bone formation in animals.

Abstract: A protein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The protein has a molecular weight of 10,000-30,000 Dalton, an isoelectric point greater than 9.5, and an N terminus of the sequence H-Lys-X-Phe-Lys-Val-Asp-Val-Leu-Ala-Ala-Leu-X-Phe-Asn-Ala-, wherein X is an amino acid or a tryptic cleavage product which has the sequence -Gly-Ala-Asn-Ala-Val-Asn-. Methods for the isolation and purification of the protein, compositions containing the protein, and methods for the use of the protein and compositions, are also disclosed.