The present invention discloses a novel secreted polypeptide, termed Osteoprotegerin, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding Osteoprotegerin, polypeptides, recombinant vectors and host cells for expression, antibodies which bind Osteoprotegerin, and pharmaceutical compositions. The polypeptides are used to treat bone diseases characterized by increased resorption such as osteoporosis.

A invenção atual divulga um polypeptide secreted novela, denominado Osteoprotegerin, que é um membro da superfamília do receptor do fator do necrosis do tumor e é envolvido no regulamento do metabolism do osso. São divulgados também os ácidos nucleic que codificam Osteoprotegerin, polypeptides, os vetores e as pilhas de anfitrião recombinant para a expressão, os antibodies que ligam Osteoprotegerin, e composições pharmaceutical. Os polypeptides são usados tratar as doenças do osso caracterizadas pelo resorption aumentado tal como o osteoporosis.