| abstract |
A new class or family of TGF-β binding proteins has been discovered. Essays for the selection of molecules to increase bone mineralization and methods for the use of such molecules have also been discovered. In particular, compensations and methods are provided for antibodies that specifically bind to TGF-β binding proteins. These methods and compositions relate to altering bone mineral density by interfering with the interaction between the TGF-β binding protein sclerostin and a member of the TGF-β superfamily, in particular the morphogenic bone protein. Increased bone mineral density is used in diseases and conditions in which low bone mineral density characterizes a given condition, such as osteopenia, osteoporosis and bone fractures. |