Abstract: This invention relates to methods for identifying novel compositions recruiting brown adipocytes in vitro and in vivo from brown adipocyte progenitor cells as well as such novel compositions. In some embodiments, the novel composition is a human protein or peptide. In other embodiments the novel composition is an Fc fusion of a human protein or peptide. In still other embodiments, the novel composition is an Fc fusion of human FGF-7.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the activity of proteins that modulate the acetylation state of a protein substrate. The methods may be used for determining both acetyltransferase activity and deacetylase activity. The methods utilize mass spectrometry for determining the acetylation state of a substrate peptide. The methods may also be used to identify compounds that modulate the activity of a protein having acetyltransferase or deacetylase activity. In some embodiments, a compound that modulates a deacetylase is an activator of the deacetylase.

Abstract: Provided are methods for monitoring sirtuin modulation in a subject, for example, during therapeutic treatment with a sirtuin modulating compound. The methods involve determining the expression level of one or more sirtuin biomarkers in a biological sample from the subject. Also provided are methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of a sirtuin protein using one or more sirtuin biomarkers.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the activity of proteins that modulate the acetylation state of a protein substrate. The methods may be used for determining both acetyltransferase activity and deacetylase activity. The methods utilize mass spectrometry for determining the acetylation state of a substrate peptide. The methods may also be used to identify compounds that modulate the activity of a protein having acetyltransferase or deacetylase activity.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for diagnosis and prognosis using polymorphic variants of sirtuins. Such polymorphic may be used, for example, to identify subjects that would be responsive to treatment with a sirtuin modulating compound and/or subjects that are suffering from or susceptible to a disease mediated by a sirtuin. Also provided are methods for determining the predictive value of a sirtuin polymorphic variant, methods for evaluating sirtuin modulating compounds, and methods for determining appropriate dosage and/or treatment regimens for subjects having one or more sirtuin polymorphic variants. Screening methods for identifying sirtuin modulating compounds using polymorphic variants of a sirtuin are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloned genes which code for uncoupling proteins controlling thermogenesis in human skeletal muscle and heart. A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the said genes for correcting dysfunctions of thermogenesis in human skeletal muscle and heart.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloned genes which code for uncoupling proteins controlling thermogenesis in human skeletal muscle and heart. A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the said genes for correcting dysfunctions of thermogenesis in human skeletal muscle and heart. The present invention makes it possible to exploit novel therapeutic (or preventive) methods for disorders such as obesity or cachexia. As a result of the identification and isolation of the genes coding for UCP3L and UCP3S, it is, in effect, possible to develop medicaments which act on the basis of a correction, by gene therapy or by antisense oligonucleotides relating to the sequence of the gene in question or to one of its fragments, of a lack or an excess of UCP3.