Polynucleotides and polypeptide sequences involved in the process of bone remodeling

Abstract

This invention relates, in part, to unique and newly identified genetic polynucleotides involved in the process of bone remodeling; variants and derivatives of the polynucleotides and corresponding polypeptides; uses of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives; and methods and compositions for the amelioration of symptoms caused by bone remodeling disorders. Disclosed in particular are, the isolation and identification of polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives involved in osteoclast activity, validation of the identified polynucleotides for their potential as therapeutic targets and use of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives for the amelioration of disease states and research purposes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for detecting a level of differentiation of an osteoclast cell population, the method comprising measuring expression of one or more of SEQ ID NO.:48 to 80 or 82. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the expression is measured by contacting a cell or a cell sample with a compound capable of specifically binding to SEQ ID NO.:48 to 80 or 82. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the compound is an antibody or an antigen binding fragment thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the expression is measured by contacting a cell or a cell sample with a compound capable of specifically binding to SEQ ID NO.:1 to 33, SEQ ID NO.:35, SEQ ID NO.:85 or 86. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the compound comprises a nucleic acid sequence having a portion substantially complementary to any one of SEQ ID NO.:1 to SEQ ID NO.:33, SEQ ID NO.:35, SEQ ID NO.:85 or SEQ ID NO.:86.