Abstract: The present invention relates to identifying genes that are differentially regulated or expressed in bone deposition disorders. Specifically, a novel gene has been identified as being differentially regulated during the maturation of osteoblasts and whose expression can be correlated, for example, with bone deposition disorders such as osteoporosis (including correlation with degrees of severity of the disease).

Abstract: The invention relates generally to materials and methods for the detection and analysis of alternative splice variants of mRNA. In some embodiments, the present invention provides solid supports to which are affixed oligonucleotides having sequences complementary to predicted splice junction sequences. A splice variant profile may be prepared for a sample and compared to a corresponding profile of a normal and/or a disease tissue sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identifying genes that are differentially regulated or expressed in bone deposition disorders. Specifically, Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-3 (FGFR3) has been identified as being differentially regulated during the maturation of osteoblasts and whose expression can be correlated, for example, with bone deposition disorders such as osteoporosis (including correlation with degrees of severity of the disease).

Abstract: The present invention identifies genes whose expression pattern is altered when precursor stem cells undergo differentiation into osteoblasts. The genes identified may be used as markers for the differentiation process. The present invention also provides methods to screen agents that are capable of modulating the differentiation process. The present invention also provides methods of identifying therapeutic agents that stimulate bone information by analyzing the expression of one or more of the genes identified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of allowing a customer, such as a physician or biomedical researcher, to quickly access information about a gene or genes, such as the relative expression level of genes in a variety of tissues and biological samples. The method thus allows the customer to obtain valuable information relating the gene to altered physiological states and the study of diseases. The method allows a customer to query a database and/or databases that store such information to produce or receive a customized gene annotation report. The customer does not have to be a subscriber to the database, but can be a one time user of the database.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identifying genes that are differentially regulated or expressed in bone deposition disorders. Specifically, a novel gene has been identified as being differentially regulated during the maturation of osteoblasts and whose expression can be correlated, for example, with bone deposition disorders such as osteoporosis.