Abstract: A method for detecting isoforms and/or splice variants of Calcineurin or its subunits is established. The inventive method is especially useful for differentiation between the various isoforms of Calcineurin. Herein a polymerase chain reaction of nucleic acids of mammalian tissue is performed and the corresponding products are evaluated. Especially prefered is a reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction. For the polymerase chain reaction primers for the isoforms and/or splice variants of Calcineurin are used. In a prefered embodiment isoforms and/or splice variants of the catalytic subunit Calcineurin-A are detected.

Abstract: A method for screening of modulators of calcineurin is provided, which uses the interaction between calcineurin and superoxide dismutase. Modulators of calcineurin are potential candidates for drugs, e.g. for immunosuppressive drugs. The forming of a complex comprising calcineurin and superoxide dismutase is monitorable in the presence of potential activators or inhibitors of calcineurin. Complex formation is performed within the cell by the use of appropriate expression vectors or in vitro using isolated proteins. Preferably, complex formation is monitored by fluorescence detection, especially by laser fluctuation correlation spectroscopy.