Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding novel ACAT proteins, as well as the novel ACAT-2 proteins, (ACAT-2) are provided. Also provided are methods of producing the subject nucleic acid and protein compositions. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies for disease conditions associated with ACAT-2 activity.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating sebaceous gland activity in a host are provided. In the subject methods, DGAT1 activity is modified, e.g., reduced or enhanced, to achieve the desired sebaceous gland activity modulation, e.g., reduction in sebum production and/or sebaceous gland size. Also provided are pharmaceutical preparations for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of applications, including the treatment of hosts suffering from sebaceous gland related conditions, e.g., acne and related conditions.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding polypeptide products with diglyceride acyltransferase activity, as well as the polypeptide products encoded thereby and methods for producing the same, are provided. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies and in the production of triacylglycerols.

Abstract: Plant nucleic acid compositions encoding polypeptide products with diacylglyceride acyltransferase (DGAT) activity, as well as the polypeptide products encoded thereby and methods for producing the same, are provided. Methods and compositions for modulating DGAT activity in a plant, particularly DGAT activity in plant seeds, and transgenic plants with altered DGAT activity are provided. Such plants and seeds are useful in the production of human food and animal feedstuff, and have several other industrial applications. Also provided are methods for making triglycerides and triglyceride compositions, as well as the compositions produced by these methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including research, medicine, agriculture and industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated an polynucleotide comprising a polymorphic nucleotide sequence from a diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) gene, wherein at least one a polymorphism is associated with a condition relating to DGAT activity. The invention further provides diagnostic assays for detecting the presence in a nucleic acid sample of a polymorphism in a DGAT gene that is associated with a condition relating to DGAT activity, and for detecting a propensity to develop a condition associated with DGAT activity. The invention further provides treatment methods.

Abstract: The invention provides gene-targeted non-human animals comprising a genetically modified apoE gene encodes a recombinant apoE polypeptide displaying domain interaction. The invention further provides cells isolated from the gene-targeted animals, which cells produce a recombinant apoE polypeptide displaying domain interaction. The invention further provides methods of identifying agents that reduce apoE4 domain interaction, and which are useful to treat apoE4-related neurological and cardiovascular disorders.

Abstract: This invention provides knockout animals comprising a disruption in one or both alleles of the gene encoding alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (TTP). The knockout animals provide good model systems for atherosclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated an polynucleotide comprising a polymorphic nucleotide sequence from a diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) gene, wherein at least one a polymorphism is associated with a condition relating to DGAT activity. The invention further provides diagnostic assays for detecting the presence in a nucleic acid sample of a polymorphism in a DGAT gene that is associated with a condition relating to DGAT activity, and for detecting a propensity to develop a condition associated with DGAT activity. The invention further provides treatment methods.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding mammalian DGAT2&agr; polypeptide products with diglyceride acyltransferase activity, as well as the mammalian DGAT2&agr; polypeptide products encoded thereby and methods for producing the same, are provided. The subject DGAT2&agr; polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies and in the production of triacylglycerols.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding polypeptide products with diglyceride acyltransferase activity, as well as the polypeptide products encoded thereby and methods for producing the same, are provided. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies and in the production of triacylglycerols.