Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for weight management. The compositions generally comprise a MCHR antagonist, either in combination with a CB1 antagonist or formulated for coadministration with a CB1 antagonist. Certain methods involve coadministering a MCHR antagonist and a CB1 antagonist to a patient.

Abstract: Novel chimeric G-protein coupled receptors are provided as isolated polypeptides, membrane preparations containing such chimeric receptors, nucleic acids encoding such chimeric receptors, and cells expressing such receptors. The chimeric receptors are NPY5 receptors with most or all of either one or both of the third cytoplasmic loop domain or the C-terminal intracellular domain of NPY5 replaced with the corresponding region(s) of another NPY receptor, preferably an NPY1 receptor.

Abstract: This invention relates to low molecular weight, non-peptidic, non-peptidomimetic, organic molecules that act as modulators of mammalian complement C5a receptors, preferably ones that act as high affinity C5a receptor ligands and also to such ligands that act as antagonists or inverse agonists of complement C5a receptors. Preferred compounds of the invention possess some or all of the following properties in that they are: 1) multi-aryl in structure, 2) heteroaryl in structure, 3) a pharmaceutically acceptable oral dose can provide a detectable in vitro effect, 4) comprise fewer than four or preferably no amide bonds, and 5) capable of inhibiting leukocyte chemotaxis at nanomolar or sub-nanomolar concentrations. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and the use of such compounds in treating a variety of inflammatory and immune system disorders. Additionally, this invention relates to the use such compounds as probes for the localization of C5a receptors.

Abstract: Novel chimeric G-protein coupled receptors are provided as isolated polypeptides, membrane preparations containing such chimeric receptors, nucleic acids encoding such chimeric receptors, and cells expressing such receptors. The chimeric receptors are NPY5 receptors with most or all of either one or both of the third cytoplasmic loop domain or the C-terminal intracellular domain of NPY5 replaced with the corresponding region(s) of another NPY receptor, preferably an NPY1 receptor.

Abstract: This invention relates to low molecular weight, non-peptidic, non-peptidomimetic, organic molecules that act as modulators of mammalian complement C5a receptors, preferably ones that act as high affinity C5a receptor ligands and also to such ligands that act as antagonists or inverse agonists of complement C5a receptors, preferably human C5a receptors, Preferred compounds of the invention possess one or more, and preferably two or more, three or more, four or more, or all of the following properties in that they are; 1) multi-aryl in structure (having a plurality of un-fused or fused aryl groups), 2) heteroaryl in structure, 3) orally available in vivo (such that a sub-lethal or preferably a pharmaceutically acceptable oral dose can provide a detectable in vitro effect such as a reduction of C5a-induced neutropenia), 4) comprised of fewer than four, preferably fewer than three, or fewer than two, or no amide bonds, and 5) capable of inhibiting leukocyte chemotaxis at nanomolar concentrations and preferably at

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding monkey Melanin Concentrating Hormone (MCH) Type 1 receptors and chimeric polypeptides are provided. Vectors and cells for recombinant expression of such MCH1R polypeptides, and isolated MCH1R polypeptides are also provided. MCH1R polynucleotides and polypeptides may be used, for example, to identify compounds that specifically interact with MCH receptor. Such compounds find use within therapies for humans and animals afflicted with conditions associated with MCH receptor activation.