Abstract: Herein the inventors demonstrate that mineralization is a natural ability of cells cultured with at least two elements: calcium and acyclic alkane phosphoester salt or inorganic phosphate salt. The present invention provides methods for producing hydroxyapatite (HAP) in cell culture by supplying cells with these elements. The natural HAP crystals produced by these methods may be utilized in biomedical applications such as bone grafting. Also provided are methods of measuring organic phosphates in a sample from a subject and methods of measuring the glycerophosphates in a sample from a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diagnostic and prognostic methods for determining the overall survival, and therapeutic regimes, for multiple myeloma patients. The methods involve the detection of PTHR1 gene expression alone or in combination with other clinical factors. The tests are suitable for diagnosing and monitoring treatment of patients having or suspected of having multiple myeloma. The disclosure also relates to proteasome inhibitors and other activators of PTHR1, for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diagnostic methods for identifying cancer and predicting drug resistance. The assays involve the detection of NEK2 gene expression alone or in combination with other genes or clinical factors. The test is suitable for diagnosing and monitoring treatment of subjects having or suspected of having a neoplastic disease, such as multiple myeloma. The disclosure also relates to inhibitors of NEK2 for the treatment of cancer, including drug-resistant multiple myeloma.