LDL receptor-related proteins 1 and 2 and treatment of bone or cartilage conditions
LDL receptor-related proteins 1 and 2 (LRP-1 and LRP-2) and interaction between lactoferrin and LRP-1, LRP-2, or p42/44 MAP kinase in diagnosis and treatment of disorders such as bone or cartilage disorders. Also disclosed are methods of screening for related therapeutic compounds.
1. A method of identifying a candidate compound for treating a bone condition, the method comprising:
contacting a compound with a cell expressing an LRP-1 gene, and quantifying an expression level of the LRP-1 gene in the cell, wherein the expression level of the LRP-1 gene in the presence of the compound, if different from that in the absence of the compound, indicates that the compound is a candidate for treating a bone condition.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cell is an osteoblast cell, osteoblast-like cell, or osteocyte.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the cell is a SaOS-2 cell.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cell is an osteoclast cell.
5. A method of identifying a candidate compound for treating a bone condition, the method comprising:
contacting a compound with a cell expressing an LRP-1 gene encoding an LRP-1 protein, and quantifying an activity of the LRP-1 protein in the cell, wherein the activity of the LRP-1 protein in the presence of the compound, if different from that in the absence of the compound, indicates that the compound is a candidate for treating a bone condition.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the cell is an osteoblast cell, osteoblast-like cell, or osteocyte.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the cell is a SaOS-2 cell.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the cell is an osteoclast cell.