Abstract: This invention provides an ADNF polypeptide comprising an active core site, the active core site comprising at least one D-amino acid. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an ADNF polypeptide comprising an active core site, the active core site comprising at least one D-amino acid. In particular, the pharmaceutical composition of the invention is orally active. The invention further provides methods for reducing neuronal cell death, methods for reducing oxidative stress, and methods for reducing a condition associated with fetal alcohol syndrome using the ADNF polypeptides and the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the phosphorylation of DARPP-32 in a serotonergic receptor intracellular signaling pathway. The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the activities of DARPP-32, casein kinase 1 (CK1), cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), AMPA receptors, protein phosphatase-1 (PP-1), protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C), protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B) and/or protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in cells or tissues. The invention provides methods of treating serotonergic intracellular signaling pathway disorders, e.g., depression. The invention provides methods of treating dopamine-related disorders. The invention provides methods of identifying agents that modulate the activities of serotonergic receptor intracellular signaling molecules, DARPP-32, casein kinase 1, cyclin-dependent kinase 5, AMPA receptors, protein phosphatase-1, protein phosphatase 2C, protein phosphatase 2B and/or protein phosphatase 2A, for use in such treatments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: A new neuromedin U receptor, designated NMUR2 has been found, which is involved in modulation of feeding behavior in mammals. Ligands of this receptor are able to modulate eating, and weight gain. Amino acid sequences of the human and rat forms, as well as their nucleic acid sequences are given.

Abstract: Screening methods for identifying compounds that bind to or activate (D1 or D5 dopamine receptors individually or in combination) or potentially regulate skeletal muscle mass or function in vivo. Also disclosed are screening methods for identifying compounds that prolong or augment the activation of D1 or D5 dopamine receptors or of D1 or D5 dopamine receptor signal transduction pathways and increase D1 or D5 dopamine receptor expression. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising D1 or D5 dopamine receptor agonists, antibodies to D1 or D5 dopamine receptors and methods for increasing skeletal muscle mass or function or for the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy using D1 or D5 dopamine receptors as the target for intervention and methods for treatment of muscular dystrophies are described.

Abstract: A method of modulating signal transduction and/or cleavage in Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors (TNF-Rs) is provided. Peptides or other molecules may interact either with the receptor itself, or with effector proteins interacting with the receptor, thus modulating the normal functioning of the TNF-Rs. Such peptides or other molecules may be employed for prophylactic and therapeutic applications in TNF associated diseases.