| abstract |
Provided are compositions and methods for modulating cell-cell fusion using agents that modulate the expression, activity, or function of medium-conductive calcium-activated potassium (SK4) channels. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods of the present invention provide for the inhibition of multinucleated osteoclasts and cell-cell fusion, in particular cell fusion involving macrophages. In such embodiments, the composition may comprise inhibitory nucleic acids, monoclonal antibodies or small molecule inhibitors of the SK4 channel, and may comprise various diseases or disorders such as bone loss, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases or disorders, implants and transplant rejection, and cancer metastasis. It is used for preventing and / or treating. In another aspect, the compositions and methods of the present invention provide for activation of cell-cell fusion. The present invention also provides a method of selecting SK4 channel modulators (inhibitors or activators) that regulate cell-cell fusion and in particular macrophage fusion. |