Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a compound which affects the formation of AMPA receptors into aggregates. A method is also provided for identifying a compound which affects the formation of synaptic connections. A method is provided for identifying a compound that modulates immediate early gene expression. A method is further provided for increasing the number of excretory synapses of a neuron, including introducing into the neuron a polynucleotide sequence encoding a Narp operatively linked to a promoter, or a Narp polypeptide, thereby increasing the number of excretory synapses of the neuron. A method is provided for treating a subject with a disorder associated with a decrease in a function or expression of Narp, including administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that augments Narp function or expression.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a compound which affects the formation of AMPA receptors into aggregates. The method also provides for a compound, for example, a long pentraxin polypeptide or fragment thereof, having a pentraxin binding domain and affecting AMPA receptor aggregation. The method provided herein affects AMPA receptor aggregation of GluR1, GluR2 and GluR3 receptor subunits.

Abstract: The present invention features molecules that relate to SYNGAP (Synaptic GTPase Activating Protein), an excitatory synapse protein that has been found to bind synaptic proteins and modulate signal transduction. In one aspect, the invention provides isolated polynucleotides that encode SYNGAP or fragments or derivatives thereof. Further provided are SYNGAP or SYNGAP-related polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides. In another aspect, the invention provides immunological molocules that are capable of binding the polypetides. Additionally provided are methods for using the molocules of this invention, e.g., to treat or prevent a disorder mediated by SYNGAP. The invention also provides screening assays for detecting compounds useful in the diagnosis or treatment of disorders impacted by SYNGAP.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a compound which affects the formation of AMPA receptors into aggregates. A method is also provided for identifying a compound which affects the formation of synaptic connections. A method is provided for identifying a compound that modulates immediate early gene expression. A method is further provided for increasing the number of excitory synapses of a neuron, including introducing into the neuron a polynucleotide sequence encoding a Narp operatively linked to a promoter, or a Narp polypeptide, thereby increasing the number of excitory synapses of the neuron. A method is provided for treating a subject with a disorder associated with a decrease in a function or expression of Narp, including administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that augments Narp function or expression.

Abstract: This invention features GRIP and GRIP-related molecules relating to a gluatamate receiptor. In one aspect, the invention provides methods for detecting expression, drug screening, and treatment of disorders involving GRIP or GRIP 2 such a neuronal and fertility disorders.