Abstract: The present invention provides mammalian GPR39 gene, its coded products, and the uses in regulating appetite and pain sensitivity. A pharmaceutical composition and a health product comprising GPR39 protein are also provided. The health product and the pharmaceutical composition for suppressing appetite or decreasing pain sensitivity comprise a safe and efficient amount of antagonists of mammalian GPR39 protein (for example, 0.01-99%) and a bromatologically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in a suitable amount (for example 1-99.99 wt %).

Abstract: Sequence #115, a G protein-coupled receptor, has been identified as a target for identifying weight modulating compounds. Compounds that modulate sequence #115 are useful for the treatment of obesity and cachexia. Cell-based and cell-free assays are described to identify compounds which bind to and/or activate or inhibit the activity of sequence #115.