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 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 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.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for accelerating the differentiation of human MSCs into the osteogenic lineage with resultant enhanced de novo bone formation. This makes possible improved methods for bone defect repair. Thus, one aspect of the invention is a method for accelerating the differentiation of ALCAM-bearing hMSCs into the osteogenic lineage by contacting such hMSCs with a ligand that binds to activated leukocyte-cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) on a single hMSC. Preferably, the ligand is a Fab fragment of a monoclonal antibody expressed by the hybridoma of ATCC Accession No. NB 11789.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for accelerating the differentiation of human MSCs into the osteogenic lineage with resultant enhanced de novo bone formation. This makes possible improved methods for bone defect repair. Thus, one aspect of the invention is a method for accelerating the differentiation of ALCAM-bearing hMSCs into the osteogenic lineage by contacting such hMSCs with a ligand that binds to activated leukocyte-cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) on a single hMSC. Preferably, the ligand is a F.sub.ab fragment of a monoclonal antibody expressed by the hybridoma of ATCC Accession No. HB 11789.