The long-term objective of this project is to be able to regulate abnormal growth processes that are related to somatomedins. As somatomedins are the major stimulators of bone formation, they offer promise in the therapy of postmenopausal osteoporosis. They may also be used to stimulate bone formation around prosthetic joints. The stimulatory properties of somatomedins may also be ftnportant in hastening a wound healing. Because of their short half-life, the somatomedins require development of an appropriate delivery system. As they are transported in plasma bound to a carrier protein, the latter will be utilized. Since this protein blocks the growth promoting effects of somatomedin, it will also be useful for suppressing the growth of those tumors that produce somatomedin and autostiznulate their own growth. The specific aiins of this project will be to purify to homogeneity the human sermn carrier protein, characterize it, and produce antibodies to it.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
