Gene originating in human chondrocyte

Abstract

This invention provides a gene specifically expressed in differentiated human chrondrocytes. By culturing the chrondrocytes in the presence of dibutyryl cAMP, the chrondrocytes are cultured in a differentiated state and any gene is searched for which has a distinction in expression between differentiated chrondrocytes and dedifferentiated chrondrocytes. This allows the gene specifically expressed in the former to be obtained.

1 - 7 . (canceled)  
     
     
         8 . A method of detecting a differentiated chondrocyte comprising: 
 contacting a chondrocyte with an anti-DEC1 antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof capable of specifically binding to a DEC-1 protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.    
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies and FAB fragments.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is labeled.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said label is selected from the group consisting of enzymes, isotopes and fluorescent substances.  
     
     
         12 . A method for modulating chondrogenesis, using an anti-DEC1 antibody capable of binding to the DEC1 protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.  
     
     
         13 . A method for diagnosing abnormalities in chondrogenesis, using an anti-DEC1 antibody capable of binding to the DEC1 protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2: