Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosis, therapy, and screening of new therapeutic compounds in the field of osteogenesis, based on the differential expression observed for the genes of the invention, represented by SEQ ID No 2, 7, 22, 25, 33, 35, 37, 38, 42, 47, 64, 69 or 77, 82, 97, 100, 108, 110, 112, 113, 117, 122, 139, 151, 158, 160, 172, 182, 184, 187, 188, 194.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosis, therapy, and screening of new therapeutic compounds in the field of osteogenesis, based on the differential expression observed for the genes of the invention, represented by SEQ ID No 1 to SEQ ID No 150, or SEQ ID No 151, 152 or 153, or SEQ ID No 154 to SEQ ID No 196, or SEQ ID No 197 to SEQ ID No 210, or SEQ ID No 211 to SEQ ID No 229, or SEQ ID No 230 to SEQ ID No 234, or SEQ ID No 235 to SEQ ID No 245.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and the activity of osteoclasts are disclosed. Methods of treating patients who have diseases characterized bone loss are disclosed. The present invention also provides peptides and peptide analogues designed from a binding loop of a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) superfamily. According to the methods, an amount of an inhibitor effective to inhibit osteoclastogenesis is administered to the patient. Methods of modulating dendritic cell maturation, T cell proliferation, and/or CD40 receptor systems in an individual are disclosed. The methods comprise the step of administering to the individual an amount of an inhibitor effective to modulating dendritic cell maturation, T cell proliferation, and/or CD40 receptor systems.

Abstract: The object is to provide a promoting agent for bone formation, a therapeutic method for bone formation and a process for preparing a promoting agent for bone formation. A promoting agent for bone formation which comprises at least one of kistrin, echstatin, a peptide or polypeptide containing the amino acid sequence ArgGlyAsp in the molecule such as a peptide represented by Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser or a compound represented by the following general formula (IX) and so on, as well as a biologically acceptable salt thereof wherein R16 represents —N(R20)2 (R20 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group), R17 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group, R18 represents a hydrogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group and so on, R19 represents OH, NH2 and so on, Y represents —NH—, —O— or a direct bond, a represents 1-3, b represents 1 or 2, c represents 0 or 1 and d represents 0 or 1.

Abstract: The object is to provide a promoting agent for bone formation, a therapeutic method for bone formation and a process for preparing a promoting agent for bone formation. A promoting agent for bone formation which comprises at least one of kistrin, echstatin, a peptide or polypeptide containing the amino acid sequence ArgGlyAsp in the molecule such as a peptide represented by Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser or a compound represented by the following general formula (IX) and so on, as well as a biologically acceptable salt thereof wherein R16 represents —N(R20)2 (R20 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group), R17 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group, R18 represents a hydrogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group and so on, R19 represents OH, NH2 and so on, Y represents —NH—, —O— or a direct bond, a represents 1-3, b represents 1 or 2, c represents 0 or 1 and d represents 0 or 1.