Abstract: DNAs encoding voltage-activated cation channels have been cloned and characterized. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells which produce active recombinant protein. The recombinant protein is also purified from the recombinant host cells. In addition, the recombinant host cells are utilized to establish a method for identifying modulators of the channel activity, and channel modulators are identified. Channel modulators are useful as insecticides and arachnicidic agents.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides derived from the C-terminal region of the human and mouse agouti related transcript (ART) proteins are provided. Also provided are DNA sequences encoding the novel C-terminal polypeptides. The novel C-terminal polypeptides can be used to inhibit the binding of melanocyte stimulating hormones to melanocortin receptors. Methods of identifying inhibitors of the binding of ART protein to melanocortin receptors are also provided.

Abstract: The invention includes mouse serotonin 5-HT2c receptor isoforms having amino acid replacements at one or more positions of the natural mouse serotonin 5-HT2c receptor polypeptide sequence, specifically at one or more of positions 157, 159 and 161. The polypeptides are useful for identifying ligands which bind with the serotonin 5-HT2c receptor and modulators of the serotonin 5-HT2c, and for identifying drugs with affinity for 5-HT2 receptors which are used to treat schizophrenia, Parkinsonism, and anxiety disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising an appetite suppressant and/or a metabolic rate enhancer and/or a nutrient absorption inhibitor useful for the treatment of obesity, and obesity-related disorders. The present invention further relates to methods of treating or preventing obesity, and obesity-related disorders, in a subject in need thereof by administering a composition of the present invention. The present invention further provides for pharmaceutical compositions, medicaments, and kits useful in carrying out these methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA molecules encoding splice variants of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC-R1) protein belonging to the rhodopsin sub-family of G-protein coupled receptors, recombinant vectors comprising DNA molecules encoding MC-R1B protein, recombinant host cells which contain a recombinant vector encoding MC-R1B, the human MC-R1B protein encoded by the DNA molecule, and methods of identifying selective agonists and antagonists of MC-R1B proteins disclosed throughout this specification.

Abstract: This invention concerns nucleic acid encoding for rat agouti related protein. Agouti related protein is a neuropeptide that may play a role in the central regulation of feeding behavior and energy metabolism via interactions with the melanocortin pathways. This invention also relates to assays utilizing the novel nucleic acid of this invention.

Abstract: A mouse growth hormone secretagogue receptor has been isolated, cloned and sequenced. This receptor is characteristic of the G-protein family of receptors. Mouse growth hormone secretagogue receptors may be used to screen and identify compoumds which bind to the mouse growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Such compounds may be used in the treatment of conditions which occur when there is a shortage of growth hormone, such as observed in growth hormone deficient children, elderly patients with musculoskeletal impairment and those recovering from hip fracture and osteoporosis. Targeted disruption of the mouse GHS-R gene may prove useful in elucidation of the mechanism of action and role of the growth hormone secretagogues in human and animal physiology.

Abstract: A new neuromedin U receptor, designated NMUR2 has been found, which is involved in modulation of feeding behavior in mammals. Ligands of this receptor are able to modulate eating, and weight gain. Amino acid sequences of the human and rat forms, as well as their nucleic acid sequences are given.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rhesus monkey DNA molecules encoding the melanocortin-5 receptor protein, recombinant vectors comprising DNA molecules encoding rhesus MC-5R, recombinant host cells which contain a recombinant vectors encoding rhesus MC-5R, the rhesus MC-5R protein encoded by the DNA molecule, and methods of identifying selective agonists and antagonists of rhesus MC-5R.

Abstract: Cells and non-human transgenic animals have been engineered to be deficient in the gene encoding the melcanocortin-3 receptor protein (MC-3R). MC-3R deficient transgenic animals have increased fatmass and reduced lean body mass, showing that the MC-3R protein is involved in the regulation of body fat and muscle mass. These MC-3R deficient transgenic animals can be used to select for and test potential modulators of MC-3R. This data allows for methods of screening for MC-3R modulators which effect body weight and associated methods of treating various disorders associated with inappropriate regulation of body weight. The disclosure also relates to a MC-3R/MC-4R double knockout mouse which can be used to select for and test potential modulators (e.g., agonists or antagonists) of MC-3R and/or MC-4R. It is shown that MC-3R serves a non-redundant role, when compared to MC-4R, in the regulation of energy homeostasis.

Abstract: Human, swine and rat growth hormone secretagogue receptors have been isolated, cloned and sequenced. Growth hormone secretagogue receptors are new members of the G-protein family of receptors. The growth hormone secretagogue receptors may be used to screen and identify compounds which bind to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Such compounds may be used in the treatment of conditions which occur when there is a shortage of growth hormone, such as observed in growth hormone deficient children, elderly patients with musculoskeletal impairment and recovering from hip fracture and osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rhesus monkey DNA molecules encoding the melanocortin-4 receptor protein, recombinant vectors comprising DNA molecules encoding rhesus MC-4R, recombinant host cells which contain a recombinant vectors encoding rhesus MC-4R, the rhesus MC-4R protein encoded by the DNA molecule, and methods of identifying selective agonists and antagonists of rhesus MC-4R.

Abstract: The invention includes mouse serotonin 5-HT2c receptor isoforms having amino acid replacements at one or more positions of the natural mouse serotonin 5-HT2c receptor polypeptide sequence, specifically at one or more of positions 157, 159 and 161. The polypeptides are useful for identifying ligands which bind with the serotonin 5-HT2c receptor and modulators of the serotonin 5-HT2c, and for identifying drugs with affinity for 5-HT2 receptors which are used to treat schizophrenia, Parkinsonism, and anxiety disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rhesus monkey DNA molecules encoding the melanocortin-4 receptor protein, recombinant vectors comprising DNA molecules encoding rhesus MC-4R, recombinant host cells which contain a recombinant vectors encoding rhesus MC-4R, the rhesus MC-4R protein encoded by the DNA molecule, and methods of identifying selective agonists and antagonists of rhesus MC-4R.

Abstract: Human, swine and rat growth hormone secretagogue receptors have been isolated, cloned and sequenced. Growth hormone secretagogue receptors are new members of the G-protein family of receptors. The growth hormone secretagogue receptors may be used to screen and identify compounds which bind to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Such compounds may be used in the treatment of conditions which occur when there is a shortage of growth hormone, such as observed in growth hormone deficient children, elderly patients with musculoskeletal impairment and recovering from hip fracture and osteoporosis.

Abstract: A new galanin receptor, GALR3, is described. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding same and various assays to identify ligands particular to said receptor. Ligands so identified are useful for the treatment of obesity, treatment of pain, and treatment of cognitive disorders.

Abstract: A new galanin receptor, GALR3, is described. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding same and various assays to identify ligands particular to said receptor. Ligands so identified are useful for the treatment of obesity, treatment of pain, and treatment of cognitive disorders.

Abstract: The invention includes mouse serotonin 5-HT2c receptor isoforms having amino acid replacements at one or more positions of the natural mouse serotonin 5-HT2c receptor polypeptide sequence, specifically at one or more of positions 157, 159 and 161. The polypeptides are useful for identifying ligands which bind with the serotonin 5-HT2c receptor and modulators of the serotonin 5-HT2c, and for identifying drugs with affinity for 5-HT2 receptors which are used to treat schizophrenia, Parkinsonism, and anxiety disorders.

Abstract: Certain novel substituted piperidine compounds are agonists of the human melanocortin receptor(s) and, in particular, are selective agonists of the human melanocortin-4 receptor (MC-4R). They are therefore useful for the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases and disorders responsive to the activation of MC-4R, such as obesity, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction. Also provided are methods of treating sexual dysfunction with a compound that is a selective agonist of MC-4R over any other human melanocortin receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic non-human animal embryo lacking native presenilin 1 and a transgenic non-human animal having only a non-native presenilin 1. The transgenic animals and cells derived therefrom can be used in the study of the expression pattern, activity and modulators of presenilin 1, in the study of the role of presenilin 1 in Alzheimer's Disease and in the study of disorders of the central nervous system.