Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In preferred embodiments, the GPCR is human. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is coupled to Gi and lowers the level of intracellular cAMP. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by adipocytes. In further preferred embodiments, the GPCR inhibits intracellular lipolysis. In other further preferred embodiments, the GPCR is a nicotinic acid receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of said GPCR. Preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of metabolic-related disorders, including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In preferred embodiments, the GPCR is human. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is coupled to Gi and lowers the level of intracellular cAMP. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by adipocytes. In further preferred embodiments, the GPCR inhibits intracellular lipolysis. In other further preferred embodiments, the GPCR is a nicotinic acid receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of said GPCR. Preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of metabolic-related disorders, including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a GPR109A niacin receptor. The present invention relates more particularly to assessing a GPR109A polymorphism in an individual, wherein the GPR109A polymorphism is indicative of the subject's risk for an adverse reaction to the administration of a GPR109A receptor agonist, wherein the adverse reaction is associated with stimulation of MAP kinase activity by the GPR109A receptor agonist. More specifically, the present invention relates to assessing a GPR109A polymorphism in an individual and determining the level of risk for the subject for experiencing an adverse reaction, wherein the subject's GPR109A zygosity is predictive of the risk for a cutaneous flushing response that can be experienced following administration of a GPR109A receptor agonist.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying a niacin receptor modulator with reduced flushing effect compared to niacin or a niacin analog, comprising determining the MAP kinase activity of said modulator, wherein a decrease in MAP kinase activity induced by said modulator compared to MAP kinase activity induced by niacin or a niacin analog indicates that said modulator has reduced flushing effect when compared to niacin or a niacin analog.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing flushing induced by niacin or a niacin analog in a subject, comprising administering to said subject an effective flush reducing amount of a niacin receptor partial agonist. In addition, the invention provides a method of reducing flushing induced by niacin or a niacin analog in a subject, comprising administering to said subject an effective flush reducing amount of a niacin receptor partial agonist and an effective lipid altering amount of niacin or a niacin analog. The invention further provides a method of reducing flushing induced by niacin or a niacin analog in a subject, comprising administering to said subject an effective flush reducing amount of a niacin receptor partial agonist and subsequently administering to said subject an effective lipid altering amount of niacin or a niacin analog.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In preferred embodiments, the GPCR is human. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is coupled to Gi and lowers the level of intracellular cAMP. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by adipocytes. In further preferred embodiments, the GPCR inhibits intracellular lipolysis. In other further preferred embodiments, the GPCR is a nicotinic acid receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of said GPCR. Preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of metabolic-related disorders, including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.