Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions containing a calbindin-D28k therapeutic element, which is involved in the regulation of apoptosis, and may be administered for the prevention of an abnormal apoptosis response in cells. In particular the compositions and methods of the present invention may be used for the prevention or induction of apoptosis in such cells types as osteoblasts and osteocytes. Specifically, the compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for the prevention of diseases associated with glucocorticoid induced cell death. Specifically, the compositions and methods of the present invention may be useful in the prevention of glucocorticoid induced cell death in osteoblasts and the treatment of such conditions as glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating diseases caused by either an excess or diminution of Vitamin D3. It provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of such diseases and the methods by which these compositions are to be used. Also provided are methods for testing the activity of both 24(OH)ase and CCAATT/Enhancer Binding Protein ? (C/EBP?), as well as, for testing the effect of a compound on 24(OH)ase and C/EBPB activity activity. In particular embodiments, a method is provided for reducing the risk of hypercalcemia when administering 1,25(OH)2D3 or its analogs for the treatment of vitamin D diseases. Methods for both enhancing and diminishing 24(OH)ase activity are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions containing a calbindin-D28k therapeutic element, which is involved in the regulation of apoptosis, and may be administered for the prevention of an abnormal apoptosis response in cells. In particular the compositions and methods of the present invention may be used for the prevention or induction of apoptosis in such cells types as osteoblasts and osteocytes. Specifically, the compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for the prevention of diseases associated with glucocorticoid induced cell death. Specifically, the compositions and methods of the present invention may be useful in the prevention of glucocorticoid induced cell death in osteoblasts and the treatment of such conditions as glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating diseases caused by either an excess or diminution of Vitamin D3. It provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of such diseases and the methods by which these compositions are to be used. Also provided are methods for testing the activity of both 24(OH)ase and CCAATT/Enhancer Binding Protein &bgr; (C/EBP&bgr;), as well as, for testing the effect of a compound on said activity. In particular embodiments, a method is provided for reducing the risk of hypercalcimia when administering 1,25(OH)2D3 or its analogs for the treatment of vitamin D diseases. Methods for both enhancing and diminishing 24(OH)ase activity are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions containing a calbindin-D28k therapeutic element, which is involved in the regulation of apoptosis, and may be administered for the prevention of an abnormal apoptosis response in cells. In particular the compositions and methods of the present invention may be used for the prevention or induction of apoptosis in such cells types as osteoblasts and osteocytes. Specifically, the compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for the prevention of diseases associated with glucocorticoid induced cell death. Specifically, the compositions and methods of the present invention may be useful in the prevention of glucocorticoid induced cell death in osteoblasts and the treatment of such conditions as glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis.

Abstract: This invention comprises engineered cells that express a nucleic acid that encodes a calbindin molecule, and exhibit the ability to secrete insulin in a glucose-sensitive fashion. This invention also comprises an artificial tissue that, when implanted into recipients that do not secrete insulin in a glucose-sensitive fashion, imparts to the recipients the ability to secrete insulin in a glucose-sensitive fashion. The artificial tissue comprises engineered cells that express a nucleic acid that encodes a calbindin molecule and secrete insulin in a glucose-sensitive fashion, enclosed by a semipermeable porous matrix.