Abstract: This invention describes an allogenomics mismatch scoring method that estimates the genomic incompatibility between potential organ donors and a transplant recipient. The allogenomics method addresses immunological concerns and compares genotype information from matched, or potential, donors and recipients. The allogenomics method uses genomic data available before transplantation and predicts kidney graft function for greater than three years after transplantation. The strength of the inverse correlation between pre-transplantation genomic mismatches and transplant organ function increases with the time after transplantation: a low allogenomics mismatch score correlates with better acceptance and function of a donor transplant over time.

Abstract: This invention describes an allogenomics mismatch scoring method that estimates the genomic incompatibility between potential organ donors and a transplant recipient. The allogenomics method addresses immunological concerns and compares genotype information from matched, or potential, donors and recipients. The allogenomics method uses genomic data available before transplantation and predicts kidney graft function for greater than three years after transplantation. The strength of the inverse correlation between pre-transplantation genomic mismatches and transplant organ function increases with the time after transplantation: a low allogenomics mismatch score correlates with better acceptance and function of a donor transplant over time.

Abstract: Provided are methods of screening test compounds for the ability to alter calcium homeostasis in mammalian cells by experimentally determining if a compound affects CALHM1, CALHM2, or CALHM3 expression or activity. Additionally provided are methods of screening a test compound for the ability to inhibit ERK 1/2 phosphorylation in a mammalian cell. Further provided are methods of screening a test compound for the ability to inhibit amyloid-beta peptide accumulation in a mammalian cell or biological fluid, methods of screening for a test compound that may affect Alzheimer's disease and methods of determining the likelihood that a subject will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Also provided are isolated and purified mammalian CALHM proteins, vectors comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the CALHM1, CALHM2, and CALHM3 proteins, and mammalian cells transfected with the vectors. Additionally, methods of affecting Ca2+ levels in a mammalian cell are provided.

Abstract: Provided are methods of determining the likelihood that a subject will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Also provided are isolated and purified mammalian CALHM I, CALHM2, and CALHM3 proteins, vectors comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the CALHM 1, CALHM2, and CALHM3 proteins, and mammalian cells transfected with the vectors. Additionally, methods of affecting Ca2+ levels in a mammalian cell are provided. Further provided are methods of screening a test compound for the ability to alter calcium homeostasis in mammalian cells. Also, methods of affecting Ca2+levels in mammalian cells are provided. Additionally provided are methods of screening a test compound for the ability to inhibit ERK I/2 phosphorylation in a mammalian cell. Further provided are methods of screening a test compound for the ability to inhibit amyloid-beta peptide accumulation in a mammalian cell or biological fluid. Also provided are methods of screening for a test compound that may affect Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery, identification and characterization of a receptor protein, referred to herein as T1R3, which is expressed in taste receptor cells and associated with the perception of bitter and sweet taste. The invention encompasses T1R3 nucleotides, host cell expression systems, T1R3 proteins, fusion protein, transgenic animals that express a T1R3 transgene, and recombinant “knock-out” animals that do not express T1R3. The invention further relates to methods for identifying modulators of the T1R3-mediated taste response and the use of such modulators to either inhibit or promote the perception of bitterness or sweetness. The modulators of T1R3 activity may be used as flavor enhancers in food, beverages and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery, identification and characterization of a receptor protein, referred to herein as T1R3, which is expressed in taste receptor cells and associated with the perception of bitter and sweet taste. The invention encompasses T1R3 nucleotides, host cell expression systems, T1R3 proteins, fusion protein, transgenic animals that express a T1R3 transgene, and recombinant “knock-out” animals that do not express T1R3. The invention further relates to methods for identifying modulators of the T1R3-mediated taste response and the use of such modulators to either inhibit or promote the perception of bitterness or sweetness. The modulators of T1R3 activity may be used as flavor enhancers in foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals.