Abstract: It is intended to provide a method for evaluating a compound which regulates eating or body weight characterized by comprising the steps of introducing a BARLP gene and preparing a cell expressing BARLP; bringing a test compound into contact with the cell; and detecting a specific binding of the test compound to the BARLP and a method for evaluating a compound further comprising the step of evaluating a test compound using a nonhuman genetically-engineered animal in which the BARLP gene is inactivated. According to this invention, knowledge about a relationship between BARLP and biological functions is obtained and a method for evaluating a compound targeting BARLP and a BARLP ligand obtained by the evaluation can be provided.

Abstract: A nucleic acid having a base sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1; a protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2; a recombinant vector comprising a gene constituted of the above nucleic acid; and a transformant cell comprising the recombinant vector. By the use of these, it is feasible to provide ORL1 gene of non-human primates, etc. and to perform assessment, screening, etc. of compounds acting on the ORL1.