Abstract: The present invention relates in part to isolated nucleic acid molecules (polynucleotides) which encode Schistocerca americana (grasshopper) glutamate-gated chloride channels. The present invention also relates to recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which contain a DNA fragment encoding S. americana glutamate-gated chloride channels, substantially purified forms of associated S. americana glutamate-gated chloride channels and recombinant membrane fractions comprising these proteins, associated mutant proteins, and methods associated with identifying compounds which modulate associated Schistocerca americana glutamate-gated chloride channels, which will be useful as insecticides.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule is disclosed which encodes a novel human uncoupling protein (UCP3), and related recombinant expression vectors, recombinant host cells and substantially purified forms of the UCP3 protein. The isolated nucleic acid and proteins disclosed herein will be useful in methods associated with identifying compounds which modulate energy expenditure and body weight regulation, as well as effecting diseases such as obesity and diabetes as well as mitochondria-associated hypermetabolism. Additionally, the isolated nucleic acids of the present ivention are candidates for gene therapy of a mammalian host, including humans.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated polynucleotides that encode the MurF (UDP-N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine-D-glutamate-m-DaD:D-alanine-D-alanine ligase) protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Purified and isolated MurF recombinant proteins are also provided. Nucleic acid sequences which encode functionally active MurF proteins are described. Assays for the identification of modulators of the expression of murF and inhibitors of the activity of MurF, are also provided.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a novel human receptor type tyrosine kinase gene, KDR, is disclosed. The isolation of this KDR cDNA sequence results in disclosure of purified forms of human KDR protein, recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which express human KDR.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a novel human receptor type tyrosine kinase gene, KDR, is disclosed. The isolation of this KDR cDNA sequence results in disclosure of purified forms of human KDR protein, recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which express human KDR.

Abstract: A unique method is disclosed for identifying and replacing immunoglobulin surface amino acid residues which converts the antigenicity of a first mammalian species to that of a second mammalian species. The method will simultaneously change immunogenicity and strictly preserve ligind binding properties. The judicious replacement of exterior amino acid residues has no effect on the ligind binding properties but greatly alters immunogenicity.

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: This invention provides the murD gene of Staphylococcus aureas. Purified and isolated MurD recombinant proteins are also provided. Nucleic acid sequences which encode functionally active MurD proteins are described. Assays for the identification of modulators of the expression of murD and inhibitors of the activity of MurD, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide sequences encoding the &agr;4 and &dgr; subunits of the human GABAA receptor, preparations of &agr;4 and &dgr; receptor subunit proteins, preparations of receptors including &agr;4 or &dgr; polypeptides, expression vectors including the nucleotide sequences, stably co-transfected eukaryotic cells and methods of their preparation and methods of screening for and designing medicaments which act upon the GABAA receptor.