Abstract: Assays for the identification of compounds useful for the modulation of body weight, metabolic rate, or feeding behavior are disclosed. Such compounds are useful for the treatment body weight disorders, e.g., obesity and cachexia. The methods involve cell-free and cell-based assays that identify compounds which alter ligand binding to and/or alter the activity of GPR10, a G protein-coupled receptor, optionally followed by an in vivo assay of the effect of the compound on feeding behavior, body weight, or metabolic rate.

Abstract: The invention features assays for the identification of compounds useful for the modulation of body weight. Such compounds are useful for the treatment of obesity and cachexia. The methods of the invention involve cell-free and cell-based assays that identify compounds which bind to and/or activate or inhibit the activity of GPR10, a G protein-coupled receptor, followed by an in vivo assay of the effect of the compound on feeding behavior, body weight, or metabolic rate. The invention also features compounds which bind to and/or activate or inhibit the activity of GPR10 as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.