Abstract: Methods of activating a signaling cascade comprising, introducing leptin and/or a cytokine to a receptor complex comprising gp 130, optionally in combination with a compound acting on adenylate cyclase or acting on one or more downstream targets of adenylate cyclase, thereby inducing genes in neuro-endocrine cells or cells of neuro-endocrine origin. Two distinct gene-sets are induced, immediate early response genes (STAT-3, SOCS-3, Metallothionein-II, the serine/threonine kinase Fnk and the rat homologue of MRF-1), and late induced target genes (Pancreatitis Associated Protein I, Squalene Epoxidase, Uridinediphosphate Glucuronyl Transferase and Annexin VIII). Strong co-stimulation with the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin was shown with respect to late induced target genes. Transcripts encoding Leptin Induced Protein I (LIP-I) and Leptin Induced Protein II (LIP-II) were identified; however, no forskolin co-stimulatory effect was observed.

Abstract: Methods of activating a signaling cascade comprising, introducing leptin and/or a cytokine to a receptor complex comprising gp 130, optionally in combination with a compound acting on adenylate cyclase or acting on one or more downstream targets of adenylate cyclase, thereby inducing genes in neuro-endocrine cells or cells of neuro-endocrine origin. Two distinct gene-sets are induced, immediate early response genes (STAT-3, SOCS-3, Metallothionein-II, the serine/threonine kinase Fnk and the rat homologue of MRF-1), and late induced target genes (Pancreatitis Associated Protein I, Squalene Epoxidase, Uridinediphosphate Glucuronyl Transferase and Annexin VIII). Strong co-stimulation with the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin was shown with respect to late induced target genes. Transcripts encoding Leptin Induced Protein I (LIP-I) and Leptin Induced Protein II (LIP-II) were identified; however, no forskolin co-stimulatory effect was observed.