Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating or preventing bone degenerative disorders. The disorders treated or prevented include, for example, osteopenia, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, osteomyeloma, osteodystrophy, Paget's disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, and bone degenerative disorders associated with chronic renal disease, hyperparathyroidism, and long-term use of corticosteroids. The disclosed therapeutic methods include administering to a mammal an inhibitor of GDF-9 or BMP-15 in an amount effective to: (1) treat or prevent a bone degenerative disorder; (2) slow bone deterioration; (3) restore lost bone; (4) stimulate new bone formation; and/or (5) maintain bone mass and/or bone quality. The invention also provides methods for administering a GDF-9 agonist or a BMP-15 agonist to treat a bone disorder characterized by increased bone density or mass.

Abstract: The specification discloses materials and methods for screening and identifying reagents, which modulate Norrin activity as it relates to Wnt pathway signaling. Preferably, agents identified thereby modulate bone remodeling and/or lipid levels, and can be Norrin mimetics and Norrin agonists, as well as other agonists and mimetics of the LRP5/Norrin/Frizzled4 complex.

Abstract: The invention discloses compositions, compounds, apparatuses and methods of using them to study bone mineralization and identify agents that regulate bone mineralization. Methods of using bone mineralization gene profiles and signatures for compound screening and research are also disclosed. Reagents for modulating bone mineralization are provided for both therapeutic and research usage.