Abstract: The current invention provides the nucleic acid carrier for producing the single-chain VEGF fusion protein comprising the same, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A high affinity obestatin receptor is provided; the orphan receptor GPR39. The receptor mediates obestatin activities. The obestatin receptor (GPR39) and fragments thereof, particularly soluble fragments thereof, are useful as therapeutic agents capable of inhibiting the action of obestatin. In addition to use as a therapeutic agent, GPR39 polypeptides are utilized in screening and research methods for the determination of specific analogs, agonists, antagonist mimetics and agents that modulate production, metabolism, and disposition of GPR39 activities. Conditions treatable with GPR39 agonists or antagonists include regulation of weight, blood pressure and heart rate, and gastric empyting.