Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in regulation of mammalian bone forming activities of sFRPs (secreted frizzled-related proteins) are disclosed. sFRPs are secreted receptors for Wnts, which are important polypeptide growth factors that are known to regulate fundamental biological processes like tissue polarity, embryonic development, and tumorigenesis. A sFRP was isolated from human osteoblast cells and identified as sFRP-1 (also known as SARP-2) and shown to be regulated by osteogenic agents in hOB cells in a differentiation selective manner, modulating the life of osteoblasts/preosteocytes. An sFRP-1 knock-out mouse was generated and deletion of sFRP-1 was found to not affect nonskeletal tissues, skeletal morphology or cortical bone development, while resulting in increased trabecular bone formation, decreased osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis and increased osteoprogenitor differentiation.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions of use in regulation of mammalian bone-forming activities of SFRPs (secreted frizzled-related proteins) are disclosed. SFRPs are secreted receptors for Wnts, which are important polypeptide growth factors that are known to regulate fundamental biological processes such as tissue polarity, embryonic development, and tumorigenesis. Methods can be used to identify compounds which target the Wnt-antagonizing function of an SFRP by way of one or more domains or specific amino acids. Pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared using these compounds, and bone disorders can be treated using these pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to modulating bone-related activity in a subject by modulating Ror molecules. The invention further relates to compositions and methods for the screening, diagnosis and development of therapies for bone-related disorders. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in regulation of mammalian bone forming activities of sFRPs (secreted frizzled-related proteins) are disclosed. sFRPs are secreted receptors for Wnts, which are important polypeptide growth factors that are known to regulate fundamental biological processes like tissue polarity, embryonic development, and tumorigenesis. A sFRP was isolated from human osteoblast cells and identified as sFRP-1 (also known as SARP-2) and shown to be regulated by osteogenic agents in hOB cells in a differentiation selective manner, modulating the life of osteoblasts/preosteocytes. An sFRP-1 knock-out mouse was generated and deletion of sFRP-1 was found to not affect nonskeletal tissues, skeletal morphology or cortical bone development, while resulting in increased trabecular bone formation, decreased osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis and increased osteoprogenitor differentiation.