The present invention provides novel compositions containing a calbindin-D 28k therapeutic element, which is involved in the regulation of apoptosis, and may be administered for the prevention of an abnormal apoptosis response in cells. In particular the compositions and methods of the present invention may be used for the prevention or induction of apoptosis in such cells types as osteoblasts and osteocytes. Specifically, the compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for the prevention of diseases associated with glucocorticoid induced cell death. Specifically, the compositions and methods of the present invention may be useful in the prevention of glucocorticoid induced cell death in osteoblasts and the treatment of such conditions as glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis.
1. A vector suitable for use in a human cell comprising a polynucleotide having the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, wherein said polynucleotide is operably linked to a promoter specific to osteoblasts and said polynucleotide encodes a calbindin-D 28k polypeptide which inhibits apoptosis.
2. A pharmaceutical composition suitable for use in a human cell comprising a biologically effective amount of a CALBINDIN-D 28k polynucleotide encoding a calbindin-D 28k polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, and an acceptable carrier, wherein the CALBINDIN-D 28k polynucleotide is operably linked to a promoter specific to osteoblasts.
3. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the CALBINDIN-D 28k polynucleotide has the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1.
4. A vector for expression of a calbindin-D 28k protein in a human cell, wherein the vector comprises an expression cassette including a promoter specific to osteoblasts operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding a calbindin-D 28k protein having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, wherein the protein inhibits apoptosis.
5. The vector of claim 4 , wherein the expression cassette comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of a host cell origin of replication, suitable promoter operably linked to a heterologous genetic element, internal ribosome entry site, splice donor site, splice acceptor site, suitable enhancer, heterologous genetic element, a reporter gene, and an appropriate termination sequence.
6. The vector of claim 4 , wherein the vector is selected from the group consisting of: retrovirus, lentivirus, adenovirus, herpes simplex viruses (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and adeno-associated virus (AAV).