Patent ID: 7572594
Filing Date: 2009-08-11
Classification: C07K,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for screening for a molecule that can agonize or antagonize RANK activity, wherein RANK is a polypeptide that activates NF-κB and that comprises (i) amino acids 1-616 of SEQ ID NO:2 or (ii) has at least 90% sequence identity with amino acids 1-616 of SEQ ID NO:2, the method comprising: (a) contacting test cells expressing RANK with a candidate molecule, the test cells being cultured in a semi-solid medium; (b) determining whether the rate of colony formation or rate of colony growth of the test cells is enhanced or reduced as compared with the rate of colony formation or growth in one or more reference cells that express RANK and that are cultured in a semi-solid medium but not contacted with the candidate molecule; and (c) identifying the candidate molecule as an antagonist if the rate of colony formation or colony growth in the test cells is comparatively enhanced and identifying the candidate molecule as an agonist if the rate of colony formation or colony growth of the test cells is comparatively reduced relative to the one or more control cells.