| abstract |
The present invention provides the complete transcriptional regulatory region of the human odf gene. The disclosed sequence, fragments thereof, and functional variants thereof, can be used in methods for regulating osteoclastogenesis, and treating bone diseases and other diseases caused by over- or under-expression of osteoclast differentiation factor. The disclosed sequences are also useful in diagnosing patient susceptibility to developing ODF-related bone, cartilage, immune, and arterial diseases, and for diagnosing patient receptivity to treatment with drugs for such diseases. Methods for identifying compounds that modulate osteoclast formation, bone resorption, and other ODF-related bone, cartilage, immune, and arterial diseases are also provided. |