Abstract: Assays for screening compounds suspected of binding fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) using scintillation proximity assay (SPA) technology are described. The assays utilize the interactions of reversible inhibitors such as [3H]—R(+)-methanandamide (MAEA) and membrane-associated FAAH, such as FAAH-containing microsomes, to evaluate the displacement activity of candidate FAAH inhibitors. The assays are specific for FAAH where FAAH binding compounds can be detected. Various embodiments of the assay have been validated and demonstrated to be simple, sensitive and amenable to high-throughput screening. Kits for performing the assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention described herein encompasses the identification and isolation of polypeptides having PDZ domains or functional equivalents thereof. Various methods of use of these polypeptides are described including, but not limited to, targeted drug discovery. The invention also includes nucleotide sequences encoding novel PDZ domains and the proteins encoded thereby. The invention additionally provides for various peptide recognition units that bind to PDZ domains. The present invention also encompasses nucleotide sequences encoding novel WW domains and the polypeptides encoded thereby.