The disclosure relates to human and mechanical stress induced genes, in particular gene 608, and functional equivalents, probes therefor, tests to identify such genes, polypeptide expression products of such genes, antibodies to the polypeptides, uses for such genes, expression products and antibodies, e.g., in diagnosis (for instance risk determination), treatment, prevention, or control, of osteoporosis or fractures; and to diagnostic, treatment, prevention, or control methods or processes, as well as compositions therefor and methods or processes for making and using such compositions, and receptors therefor and methods or processes for obtaining and using such receptors.