Abstract: Dual action compounds are provided that are inhibitors of catechol-omethyltransferase (COMT) enzyme and are also partial agonists or antagonists of the D2 receptor, or agonists of the D1 receptor, or interact in these ways with both D1 and D2 receptors. Use of the compounds for treating neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia and mild cognitive impairment, is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentiating a neural stem cell into a neuronal cell such as a neuroblast or a neuron in vitro or in vivo. Particularly, the invention provides for a method for neural stem cell differentiation by contacting the neural stem cell with a 5HT1A ligand or agonist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentiating a neural stem cell into a neuronal cell such as a neuroblast or neuron in vitro or in vivo. Particularly, the invention provides for a method for neural stem cell differentiation by contacting the neural stem cell with a valproate compound or analog thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screening methods and assays that are referred to herein as multi-parameter hight throughput screening (MPHTS) assays. These MPHTS assays are useful for identifying candidate pharmaceutical compounds. In particular, the screening methods of this invention may be used to identify compounds that have potential therapeutic benefits for the treatment of neuropscyhiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder (BAD), autism and Alzheimer's disease to name a few.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screening methods and assays that are referred to herein as multi-parameter hight throughput screening (MPHTS) assays. These MPHTS assays are useful for identifying candidate pharmaceutical compounds. In particular, the screening methods of this invention may be used to identify compounds that have potential therapeutic benefits for the treatment of neuropscyhiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder (BAD), autism and Alzheimer's disease to name a few.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentiating a neural stem cell into a neuronal cell such as a neuroblast or a neuron in vitro or in vivo. Particularly, the invention provides for a method for neural stem cell differentiation by contacting the neural stem cell with a 5HT1A ligand or agonist.

Abstract: The present invention provides binding assays, referred to here as fluorescence proximity assays or FPA. The inventions detect binding of target molecules in a sample to a molecular probe or probes that specifically bind or hybridize to those molecules. In particular, the molecular probes are immobilized to a bead or particle, such as colloidal gold, the reflects fluorescent energy from a fluorophore. The derivatized beads are contacted to a sample of fluorescently labeled target molecules, and binding of the target is indicated by an increase in the fluorescent signal. Kits are also provided that contain materials and reagents to performing a fluorescence proximity assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentiating a neural stem cell into a neuronal cell such as a neuroblast or neuron in vitro or in vivo. Particularly, the invention provides for a method for neural stem cell differentiation by contacting the neural stem cell with a valproate compound or analog thereof.