Abstract: Novel nucleic acids that are homologs of genes implicated in metabolism and that have been isolated from Drosophila melanogaster are described. These nucleic acids and proteins can be used to genetically modify metazoan invertebrate organisms, such as insects and worms, or cultured cells, resulting in novel gene expression or mis-expression. The genetically modified organisms or cells can be used in screening assays to identify candidate compounds which are potential therapeutics that interact with gene products implicated in metabolism. They can also be used in methods for studying gene activity and identifying other genes that modulate the function of, or interact with, genes implicated in metabolism.