Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying osteogenic agents are disclosed, wherein a bone morphogenetic protein promoter is utilized in an assay system to modulate the production of an assayable product of a reporter gene.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X in each of formulas (1) and (2) represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, alkenylene, or alkynylene linker of 2-6 C;Y represents one or more carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings; when two or more rings are present in Y, they may optionally be fused; andR' represents a cation, H or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group of 1-6 C; andthe dotted lines represent optional .pi.-bonds,promote bone formation and are thus useful in treating osteoporosis, bone fracture or deficiency, primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism, periodontal disease or defect, metastatic bone disease, osteolytic bone disease, post-plastic surgery, post-prosthetic joint surgery, and post-dental implantation. These compounds can be used in combination with other bone growth-promoting compounds and/or estrogens and/or bisphosphonates for this purpose.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X in each of formulas (1) and (2) represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, alkenylene, or alkynylene linker of 2-6C;Y represents one or more carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings; when two or more rings are present in Y, they may optionally be fused; andR' represents a cation, H or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group of 1-6C; andthe dotted lines represent optional .pi.-bonds,promote bone formation and are thus usefull in treating osteoporosis, bone fracture or deficiency, primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism, periodontal disease or defect, metastatic bone disease, osteolytic bone disease, post-plastic surgery, post-prosthetic joint surgery, and post-dental implantation.

Abstract: Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or "linker" defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15 .ANG., are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.

Abstract: Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or "linker" defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15 .ANG., are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.

Abstract: Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or "linker" defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15 .ANG., are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.

Abstract: Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or "linker" defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15 .ANG., are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.

Abstract: Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or "linker" defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15 .ANG., are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.

Abstract: Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or "linker" defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15.ANG., are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.

Abstract: Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or "linker" defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15 .ANG., are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.

Abstract: Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or "linker" defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15 .ANG., are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.

Abstract: Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or "linker" defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15.ANG., are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.