Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating obesity, pre-diabetes, diabetes, and/or obese breast cancer, by increasing mitochondrial metabolism by increasing the activity of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in adipocytes. The disclosed methods comprise contacting an adrenergic receptor agonist with an adipocyte in which the genomic activity of estrogen receptor beta (ER?) has been inhibited or inactivated. In certain aspects, inhibition or inactivation of the genomic activity of ER? is achieved by contacting the adipocyte with an ER? ligand that selectively inhibits or inactivates the ER? genomic activity.

Abstract: A new method is provided for inhibiting tumor growth and for delaying the onset of cancer. Several estrogenic compounds from plants are capable of inhibiting cell proliferation both in cell cultures and in whole animals. These compounds likely exert their anti-proliferation effects by inhibiting the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Estrogen receptors may also play an essential role in the inhibitory effect of these compounds.

Abstract: The invention overcomes deficiencies in the prior art by identifying a locus associated with average weaning weight and carcass weight of cattle. The locus was found during studies carried out by the inventors using a polymorphic TG-repeat microsatellite located 90 base pairs upstream from a major transcription start site in the bovine growth hormone receptor gene. Use of this marker and other genetic markers in linkage disequilibrium with the locus allows implementation of selection and breeding schemes for improvement of cattle performance. Marker-assisted selection with the genetic markers will allow avoidance of potentially costly phenotypic testing associated with traditional breeding schemes.

Abstract: DNA sequences encoding human androgen receptor protein and polypeptides and proteins having substantially the same biological activity as human androgen receptor protein and the amino acid sequences of human androgen receptor protein and polypeptides and proteins having substantially the same biological activity as human androgen receptor protein are disclosed. Methods for the production and use of such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mutant non-human vertebrate, in which all or some of the germ and somatic cells contain a mutation in at least one steroid hormone receptor allele, which mutation is introduced into the vertebrate, or an ancestor of the vertebrate, at an embryonic stage, and which mutation produces a phenotype in the vertebrate characterized by a deficit of functional steroid hormone receptors encoded by the allele. Also disclosed are related methods and constructs.