Novel proteins and methods for producing the proteins

Abstract

A protein which inhibits osteoclast differentiation and/or maturation and a method for producing the protein. The protein is produced by human embryonic lung fibroblasts and has a molecular weight of about 60 kD and about 120 kD under non-reducing conditions and about 60 kD under reducing conditions on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The protein can be isolated and purified from the culture medium of fibroblasts. Furthermore, the protein can be produced by gene engineering. The present invention includes cDNA for producing the protein by gene engineering, antibodies having specific affinity for the protein or a method for determining protein concentration using these antibodies.

1 - 31 . (canceled)  
     
     
         32 . A method of treating a bone disorder comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a purified and isolated polypeptide comprising OCIF.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the polypeptide is human OCIF.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the bone disorder is selected from the group consisting of osteoporosis and rheumatism.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the bone disorder is accompanied by bone loss.  
     
     
         36 . A method of treating abnormal bone metabolism comprising administering an efficacious amount of OCIF protein.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the OCIF protein is human OCIF protein.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the abnormal bone metabolism is a decrease of bone mass.