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Significance of the project This project will produce a database of the mRNA repertoire produced by both the osteoclast and the osteoblast and provide the sequence of cDNA specifically expressed in these different cell types. New osteoblast and osteoclast specific genes will be identified and sequenced and related to cellular differentiation pathways.

Cytokines, growth factors and their receptors identified by this project might have direct utility in treatment of bone disorders. New bone matrix proteins will provide the basis of new serum diagnostic tests of osteoporosis. The genes will be candidates for involvement in bone disorders that have a genetic component and have potential utility in the diagnosis and treatment of skeletal diseases, including osteoporosis, dysplasias, hypercalcaemia of malignancy, Paget's disease, osteopetrosis, bone loss resulting from chronic glucocorticoid treatment, bone loss in …