Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a human obesity and diabetes predisposing gene, specifically the TBC1D1 gene, some mutant alleles of which cause susceptibility to obesity and/or diabetes. More specifically, the invention relates to germline mutations in the TBC1D1 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to obesity and diabetes. Finally, the invention relates to the screening of the TBC1D1 gene for mutations/alterations, which are useful for diagnosing the predisposition to obesity.

Abstract: A specific region of chromosome 10 (10q23.3) has been implicated by series of studies to contain a tumor suppressor gene involved in gliomas, as well as a number of other human cancers. One gene within this region was identified, and the corresponding coding region of the gene represents a novel 47 kD protein. A domain of this product has an exact match to the conserved catalytic domain of protein tyrosine phosphatases, indicating a possible functional role in phosphorylation events. Sequence analyses demonstrated the a number of exons of the gene were deleted in tumor cell lines used to define the 10q23.3 region, leading to the classification of this gene as a tumor suppressor. Further analyses have demonstrated the presence of a number of mutations in the gene in both glioma and prostate carcinoma cells. Methods for diagnosing and treating cancers related to this tumor suppressor, designated as TS10q23.3, also are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of using a genetic polymorphic variation in the human beta-1 adrenergic receptor gene as a drug response marker are presented. Determining the presence or absence of the A145G genetic variation in the human beta-1 adrenergic receptor gene is useful in predicting an individual's relative response to different antihypertensive drugs; optimizing antihypertensive treatment for an individual; selecting candidate human subjects for participation in clinical trials involving antihypertensive drugs; and, predicting the relative responses among a plurality of individuals to an antihypertensive drug.