| abstract |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide additional research tools for elucidating the molecular mechanism of bone modulation, for screening and development of candidate new drugs, and for the treatment of bone development and bone loss disorders. Reagents, compounds, compositions and methods related to novel interactions of LRP5, HBM (LRP5 variants), and / or the extracellular domain of LRP6 with Dkk, including Dkk-1. Certain nucleic acids, polypeptides, antibodies, assay methods, diagnostic methods and therapeutic methods are related to and affect Dkk, LRP5, LRP6, HBM and Wnt signaling. Dkk, LRP5, LRP6, HBM and Wnt are involved in bone and lipid cell signaling. Accordingly, reagents and methods that modulate lipid concentration and / or bone mass are useful in the treatment and diagnosis of abnormal lipid concentrations and bone mass disorders such as osteoporosis. [Selection figure] None |