Abstract: In vitro cell-based methods for identifying compounds that inhibit Notch cleavage and methods for identifying ?-secretase inhibitors that exhibit reduced induction of goblet cell metaplasia are provided. Also provided are methods of identifying compounds that inhibit cleavage of ?-secretase substrates other than Notch and homogeneous compositions or cultures of Notch-expressing cells that undergo mucin-2 or mucin-5AC induction in response to a compound known to inhibit Notch cleavage and methods of their generation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the biomarker TFF-3 that measures ?-secretase mediated Notch processing. TFF-3 has utility in predicting and/or determining in vivo Notch-related toxicity associated with inhibition of Notch processing mediated by ?-secretase. The reagents and methods of the invention can be utilized before, after, or concurrently with, pre-clinical, clinical, and/or post-clinical testing. The reagents and methods of the invention can be used to identify and maintain preferred doses of test compounds and thereby prevent medical complications, such as gastrointestinal cellular damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to KCNQ proteins defining potassium channels. In particular, the invention concerns the human KCNQ2, human KCNQ3, murine KCNQ2, and rat KCNQ2 proteins reported herein. KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 proteins are nervous system-selective and may be involved in neurotransmission and neuroprotection. The KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 of the present invention can be used to assay for modulators of the proteins, which would be useful in treatment of such disorders as ataxia, myokymia, seizures, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, age-associated memory loss, learning deficiencies, motor neuron diseases, epilepsy, stroke, and the like.

Abstract: A binding site in nuclear hormone receptors is described and its structural coordinates are provided. The invention provides machine-readable data storage media comprising structure coordinates of Site II and computer systems comprising the machine-readable data storage media. The invention provides methods used in the design and identification of ligands of Site II and of modulators of nuclear hormone receptors. The invention provides ligands of Site II, modulators of NHRs, pharmaceutical compositions comprising modulators of NHRs, methods of modulating NHRs, and methods of treating diseases by administering modulators of an NHR. Also provided are methods of designing mutants, mutant NHRs, Site II binding assays, and models of Site II.

Abstract: The invention provides polynucleotide fragments corresponding to the genomic and/or coding regions of these genes which comprise at least one polymorphic site per fragment. Allele-specific primers and probes that hybridize to these regions, and/or that comprise at least one polymorphic site are also provided. The polynucleotides, primers, and probes of the present invention are useful in phenotype correlations, paternity testing, medicine, and genetic analysis. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel polypeptides to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders, particularly cardiovascular diseases related to these polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides that specifically bind to BACE at a newly discovered exosite. The invention also provides methods for identifying peptides that bind to a BACE exosite. The invention further provides methods for identifying compounds that bind to a BACE exosite and modulate BACE activity. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for treating or preventing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease by administering compounds that bind to a BACE exosite and modulate BACE activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to KCNQ proteins defining potassium channels. In particular, the invention concerns the human KCNQ2, human KCNQ3, murine KCNQ2, and rat KCNQ2 proteins reported herein. KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 proteins are nervous system-selective and may be involved in neurotransmission and neuroprotection. The KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 of the present invention can be used to assay for modulators of the proteins, which would be useful in treatment of such disorders as ataxia, myokymia, seizures, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, age-associated memory loss, learning deficiencies, motor neuron diseases, epilepsy, stroke, and the like.