| abstract |
Disclosed is a human osteoclast-derived cathepsin (Cathepsin O) polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such cathepsin O polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant t echniques. The present invention also discloses antibodi es, antagonists and inhibitors of such polypeptide which may be used to prevent the action of such polypeptide and therefore may be used therapeutically to treat bone diseases such as osteoporosis and cancers, suc h as tumor metastases. |