Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) to identify whether a candidate compound is a modulator of atherogenesis. In certain embodiments, the GPCR couples to Gi. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is human. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic disease, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, and ischemic stroke. Agonists of the invention are additionally useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of conditions related to MCP-1 expression, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) to identify whether a candidate compound is a modulator of atherogenesis. In certain embodiments, the GPCR couples to Gi. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is human. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic disease, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, and ischemic stroke. Agonists of the invention are additionally useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of conditions related to MCP-1 expression, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method for producing an olfactory GPCR in a cell. In general, the methods involve introducing an expression cassette containing a promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid encoding an olfactory PCR into a macroglial cell, e.g., a Schwann or oligodendritic cell, and maintaining the cell under conditions suitable for production of the olfactory GPCR. Also provided is a macroglial cell containing a recombinant nucleic acid encoding an olfactory GPCR, methods of screening for modulators of olfactory GPCR activity, and a kit for producing an olfactory GPCR in a macroglial cell. The invention finds most use in research on flavors and fragrances, and, consequently, has a variety of research and industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) to identify whether a candidate compound is a modulator of atherogenesis. In certain embodiments, the GPCR couples to Gi. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is human. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic disease, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, and ischemic stroke. Agonists of the invention are additionally useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of conditions related to MCP-1 expression, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In certain embodiments, the GPCR is human. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by neuronal cells or muscle cells. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is neuroprotective or myoprotective. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is a Humanin receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of the GPCR. A preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in general, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, prion-associated disease, stroke and motor-neuron disease in particular, peripheral neuropathy, cerebral amyloid beta-protein angiopathy, and ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method for producing an olfactory GPCR in a cell. In general, the methods involve introducing an expression cassette containing a promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid encoding an olfactory PCR into a macroglial cell, e.g., a Schwann or oligodendritic cell, and maintaining the cell under conditions suitable for production of the olfactory GPCR. Also provided is a macroglial cell containing a recombinant nucleic acid encoding an olfactory GPCR, methods of screening for modulators of olfactory GPCR activity, and a kit for producing an olfactory GPCR in a macroglial cell. The invention finds most use in research on flavors and fragrances, and, consequently, has a variety of research and industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In certain embodiments, the GPCR is human. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by neuronal cells or muscle cells. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is neuroprotective or myoprotective. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is a Humanin receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of said GPCR. A preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in general, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, prion-associated disease, stroke and motor-neuron disease in particular, peripheral neuropathy, cerebral amyloid beta-protein angiopathy, and ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method for producing an olfactory GPCR in a cell. In general, the methods involve introducing an expression cassette containing a promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid encoding an olfactory PCR into a macroglial cell, e.g., a Schwann or oligodendritic cell, and maintaining the cell under conditions suitable for production of the olfactory GPCR. Also provided is a macroglial cell containing a recombinant nucleic acid encoding an olfactory GPCR, methods of screening for modulators of olfactory GPCR activity, and a kit for producing an olfactory GPCR in a macroglial cell. The invention finds most use in research on flavors and fragrances, and, consequently, has a variety of research and industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether one or more candidate compounds is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) or a modulator of blood glucose concentration. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is human. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of the GPCR. A preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for lowering blood glucose concentration, for preventing or treating certain metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes, and for preventing or treating a complication of an elevated blood glucose concentration, such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and peripheral vascular disease.