Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining whether an agent facilitates the conversion of a cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding (CPEB) protein from its non-prion form to its prion form. This invention also provides methods for determining the presence and amount of the prion form of CPEB protein in a cell. This invention also provides methods for facilitating the conversion of a non-prion CPEB protein to its prion form. This invention also provides an isolated prion form cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding (CPEB) protein and compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that facilitates the conversion of CPEB protein from its non-prion form to its prion form, and methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with a fear-related disorder comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor agonist. This invention further provides a method for inhibiting in a subject the onset of a fear-related disorder resulting from exposure to a traumatic experience comprising administering a prophylactically effective amount of a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor agonist to the subject prior to and/or following the traumatic experience.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining whether an agent facilitates the conversion of a cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding (CPEB) protein from its non-prion form to its prion form. This invention also provides methods for determining the presence and amount of the prion form of CPEB protein in a cell. This invention also provides methods for facilitating the conversion of a non-prion CPEB protein to its prion form. This invention also provides an isolated prion form cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding (CPEB) protein and compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that facilitates the conversion of CPEB protein from its non-prion form to its prion form, and methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method to enhance long-term memory in a subject whose cAMP-responsive gene expression is repressed due to binding of a cAMP-response-element-binding-protein-2 to a protein or a DNA associated with cAMP-responsive gene expression, or both, which comprises administering to the subject a compound capable of interfering with such binding in an amount effective to interfere with binding of the protein or the DNA so as to thereby derepress cAMP-responsive gene expression in the subject and enhance the subject's long-term memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a brain cyclic nucleotide gated ion channel (BCNG) protein. An isolated BCNG protein is also provided as is a composition comprising a BCNG encoding nucleic acid or protein or a portion thereof. The present invention also provides a method of identifying an ion channel subunit related protein encoding nucleic acid molecule in a sample. The invention further provides a method for evaluating the ability of a compound to modulate an ion channel associated neurological, cardia, or renal condition. The invention also provides a method for evaluating the ability of a compound to interact with a BCNG-related ion channel subunit protein. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for identifying a compound capable of modulating the activity of a BCNG-related protein. The present invention additionally provides a method of treating a cardiac, renal or neurological condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a BCNG protein or a portion thereof or BCNG-related protein or a portion thereof. The present invention further provides a method for identifying a nucleic acid in a sample which encodes a BCNG protein or a BCNG-related protein. The present invention also provides a method for testing whether a compound affects the expression of a BCNG protein or a BCNG-related protein. In addition, the present invention further provides a method for identifying a compound capable of interacting with a BCNG protein or a BCNG-related protein. Also, the present invention provides a method for identifing a compound capable of modulating BCNG protein or BCNG-related protein activity. Further, the present invention also provides a method of treating a condition in a subject which comprises administering to the subject an amount of the provided compound, effective to treat the condition.