Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds that bind to or activate prostanoid IP receptors and potentially regulate skeletal muscle mass or function are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising IP receptor agonists and methods for increasing skeletal muscle mass or function or for the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy using IP receptor as the target for intervention and methods for treatment of muscular dystrophies are described.

Abstract: Screening methods for identifying compounds that bind to or activate corticotropin releasing factor2 receptors (CRF2R) and regulate or potentially regulate skeletal muscle mass or function in vivo are disclosed. Also disclosed are screening methods for identifying compounds that prolong or augment the activation of CRF2Rs or of CRF2R signal transduction pathways, increase CRF2R or increase CRF expression are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising CRF2R agonists, antibodies to CRF2R and methods for increasing skeletal muscle mass or function or for the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy using CRF2R as the target for intervention and methods for treatment of muscular dystrophies are described.

Abstract: Screening methods for identifying compounds that bind to or activate (D1 or D5 dopamine receptors individually or in combination) or regulate or potentially regulate skeletal muscle mass or function in vivo. Also disclosed are screening methods for identifying compounds that prolong or augment the activation of D1 or D5 dopamine receptors or of D1 or D5 dopamine receptor signal transduction pathways and increase D1 or D5 dopamine receptor expression. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising D1 or D5 dopamine receptor agonists, antibodies to D1 or D5 dopamine receptors and methods for increasing skeletal muscle mass or function or for the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy using D1 or D5 dopamine receptors as the target for intervention and methods for treatment of muscular dystrophies are described.