Abstract: A novel molecular pathway involving the MUL1 E3 ubiquitin ligase that regulates mitochondrial metabolism including regulation of lipogenesis and adiposity has been discovered. The significance of this pathway is exemplified in animals in which Mul1 is inactivated. These animals have a metabolic phenotype, and they are resistant to high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Applications include an inactivator of mitochondrial Mul1 E3 ubiquitin ligase, compositions/kits including this inactivator, and methods for using this inactivator to regulate/inactivate mitochondrial Mul1 E3 ubiquitin ligase for prevention and/or treatment of conditions such as weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions for inhibiting caspase-independent apoptosis. In particular, methods and compositions for inhibiting Omi/HtrA2 activity, as well as method for identifying other inhibitors of Omi/HtrA2. Also disclosed are Omi/HtrA2 specific substrates and methods for identifying other substrates of Omi/HtrA2.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical compound that inhibits the apoptotic activity of the protease Omi/HtrA2 and homologous proteins. This protease Omi/HtrA2 is present in all mammalian cells so that inhibition of apoptosis in this fashion results enhanced cellular health and therapeutic effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to three novel cancer related genes, Nmi, Omi and Rim. The Nmi gene encodes a myc gene product-binding protein. The Omi gene encodes a mammalian serine protease protein comprising an amino terminal regulatory domain, which includes a signal peptidase site, a triple repeat motif, an SH3 binding domain, and a consensus Mxi2/p38 kinase phosphorylation site, and a carboxy terminus serine protease catalytic domain. The retinoblastoma-interacting myosin-like gene (Rim gene) encodes a retinoblastoma binding protein comprising two leucine zipper structures, an RB family binding motif, an E1A/CtBP binding motif, and four nuclear localization sequences. Described herein are isolated and antisense nucleic acids molecules, recombinant expression vectors, host cells and non-human transgenic animals containing an insertion or a disruption of the Nmi, Omi and Rim genes. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing the compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to three novel cancer related genes, Nmi, Omi and Rim. The Nmi gene encodes a myc gene product-binding protein. The Omi gene encodes a mammalian serine protease protein comprising an amino terminal regulatory domain, which includes a signal peptidase site, a triple repeat motif, an SH3 binding domain, and a consensus Mxi2/p38 kinase phosphorylation site, and a carboxy terminus serine protease catalytic domain. The retinoblastoma-interacting myosin-like gene (Rim gene) encodes a retinoblastoma binding protein comprising two leucine zipper structures, an RB family binding motif, an E1A/CtBP binding motif, and four nuclear localization sequences. Described herein are isolated and antisense nucleic acids molecules, recombinant expression vectors, host cells and non-human transgenic animals containing an insertion or a disruption of the Nmi, Omi and Rim genes. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing the compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The specification relates to a gene which is involved in the control of melanin production in human melanocytes. Human homologs of rat rKr2 gene and their fragments, and a method for evaluating melanin production ability in human melanocytes using such fragments are also disclosed. These subject matters are useful mainly in the cosmetic and dermatological fields.

Abstract: Disclosed are substatially pure Reparations of Max-Interacting (Mxi) polypeptides, DNA encoding such polypeptides, antibodies recognizing such polypeptides, and diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing such polypeptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are substatially pure preparations of Max-Interacting (Mxi) polypeptides, DNA encoding such polypeptides, antibodies recognizing such polypeptides, and diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing such polypeptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are substatially pure preparations of Max-Interacting (Mxi) polypeptides, DNA encoding such polypeptides, antibodies recognizing such polypeptides, and diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing such polypeptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are substantially pure preparations of Max-Interacting (Mxi) polypeptides, DNA encoding such polypeptides, antibodies recognizing such polypeptides, and diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing such polypeptides.