Abstract: In order to identify a factor demonstrating a repellent effect on axon extension of a neuron, lysophosphatidylglucoside (LPG) has been found to have an activity as a chemorepellent effect on axon guidance of a DRG sensory neuron specific to a neuron expressing TrkA, an NGF receptor. In addition, it has been found out that suppressing the function of LPG makes it possible to suppress a repellent effect of LPG on axon extension of a neuron expressing TrkA. A molecule capable of suppressing the function of LPG can be a composition promoting repairing of a neural circuit in neuronal damages and the like.

Abstract: In order to identify a factor demonstrating a repellent effect on axon extension of a neuron, lysophosphatidylglucoside (LPG) has been found to have an activity as a chemorepellent effect on axon guidance of a DRG sensory neuron specific to a neuron expressing TrkA, an NGF receptor. In addition, it has been found out that suppressing the function of LPG makes it possible to suppress a repellent effect of LPG on axon extension of a neuron expressing TrkA. A molecule capable of suppressing the function of LPG can be a composition promoting repairing of a neural circuit in neuronal damages and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screening method for a substance that alters the bindability of RAIG2 or RAIG3 and glucose or 1,5-anhydroglucitol, including using RAIG2 or RAIG3 and glucose or 1,5-anhydroglucitol, and a regulator of sugar/lipid metabolism, a regulator of pancreas/pituitary function, a regulator of insulin secretion/blood glucose and ACTH secretion, and a prophylactic/therapeutic agent for a disease involved by an abnormality thereof, containing an RAIG2 or RAIG3 agonist or antagonist.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided isolated mammalian Acetyl-Coenzyme A Transporter (AT) proteins, anti-AT antibodies, therapeutic compositions, and nucleic acids encoding such. Bioassays and therapeutic methods employing invention AT proteins are also provided.

Abstract: An agent for enhancing cell survival of central nerve cells, which comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of L-serine, glycine, and fatty acid compounds thereof as an active ingredient, and a medicament for preventive and/or therapeutic treatment of cerebral dysfunction which comprises said substance as an active ingredient. The substance has an action for protecting cerebral cells to suppress cell death and prolong cell life. For example, cerebral cell death caused by cerebral edema or the raise of intracerebral temperature due to cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction head injury and the like can be suppressed.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a novel ceramide glucosyltransferase having catalytic activity of glucose transfer from UDP-Glc to ceramide, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding the ceramide glucosyltransferase.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided isolated mammalian Acetyl-Coenzyme A Transporter (AT) proteins, anti-AT antibodies, therapeutic compositions, and nucleic acids encoding such. Bioassays and therapeutic methods employing invention AT proteins are also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a novel ceramide glucosyltransferase having catalytic activity of glucose transfer from UDP-Glc to ceramide, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding the ceramide glucosyltransferase.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel ganglioside ceramidase which has a substrate specificity at least for GD1a, GM1, GM2 and GM3 and acts at least on GD1a, GM1, GM2 and GM3 and catalyzes the reaction of hydrolysis of ganglioside to lysoganglioside and fatty acid.This invention further provides a process for producing the novel ganglioside ceramidase which comprises cultivating ganglioside ceramidase producing strain belonging to the genus Nocardia in a culture medium and collecting ganglioside ceramidase from the culture.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel ganglioside ceramidase which has a substrate specificity at least for GD1a, GM1, GM2 and GM3 and acts at least on GD1a, GM1, GM2 and GM3 and catalyzes the reaction of hydrolysis of ganglioside to lysoganglioside and fatty acid.This invention further provides a process for producing the novel ganglioside ceramidase which comprises cultivating ganglioside ceramidase producing strain belonging to the genus Nocardia in a culture medium and collecting ganglioside ceramidase from the culture.