Abstract: Demanded is an insulin secretagogue that alleviates side effects, such as acceleration of obesity and cells so as not to be detrimental to insulin secretion ? capability. The invention provides an insulin secretagogue agent not only dependent on glucose but also responsive to elevated blood sugar levels, comprising an effective amount of a substance having the activity of PPAR ? activation. This insulin secretagogue simultaneously exerts anti-obesity activity, serum cholesterol reducing activity useful for the treatment and prevention of arteriosclerosis, etc. and insulin resistance ameliorating activity.

Abstract: The invention provides assays for the identification of modulators of Site-1 protease. Further provided by the invention are expression constructs and the transgenic cells useful for the development of such assays for Site-1 specific protease. The cells allow the implementation of in vitro assays for potential modulators of Site-specific proteases. Still further provided by the invention are in vitro assays employing Site-1 protease which has been isolated from cells.