Nell-1 enhanced bone mineralization
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorKANG TING
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Abstract
This invention pertains to the discovery that the human NELL-1 gene induces or upregulates bone mineralization. The NELL-1 gene or gene product thus provides a convenient target for screening for modulators of bone mineralization. In addition, NELL-1 can be used to facilitate repair of bone fractures and/or to generally increase bone density.
Claims49
A method of screening for an agent that alters bone mineralization, said method comprising:
- contacting a cell containing a NELL-1 gene with a test agent;
- and
- detecting a change in the expression level of said NELL-1 gene as compared to the expression of the NELL-1 gene in a cell that is not contacted with said test agent where a difference in the expression level of NELL-1 in the contacted cell and the cell that is not contacted indicates that said agent modulates bone mineralization.
A method of prescreening for a modulator of a NELL-1, said method comprising:
- (a) contacting a NELL-1 nucleic acid or a NELL-1 protein with a test agent;
- and
- (b) detecting specific binding of said test agent to said NELL-1 protein or nucleic acid.
A method of increasing bone mineralization, said method comprising increasing the concentration of a NELL-1 gene product in an osteogenic cell.
A method of facilitating the repair of bone fractures, said method comprising increasing concentration of a NELL-1 gene product at or near the fracture site.
A method of facilitating the repair of a bone fracture, said method comprising contacting the bone fracture site with a NELL-1 protein.
A bone graft material capable of enhancing the formation of osseous tissue in the animal in which it is implanted, said bone graft material consisting essentially of a biocompatible matrix and a NELL-1 protein.
The graft material of 46, wherein said graft material is resorbable.
The graft material of 46 wherein said NELL-1 is produced by a cell within said matrix expressing exogenous NELL-1 protein.
A bone graft material capable of inducing the formation of osseous tissue in the animal in which it is implanted, said bone graft material consisting essentially of a collagen conjugate containing:
- from about 65 to about 95 weight percent reconstituted collagen;
- and
- from about 35 to about 5 weight percent of NELL-1 protein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.