Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In certain embodiments, the GPCR is human. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by neuronal cells or muscle cells. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is neuroprotective or myoprotective. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is a Humanin receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of the GPCR. A preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in general, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, prion-associated disease, stroke and motor-neuron disease in particular, peripheral neuropathy, cerebral amyloid beta-protein angiopathy, and ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this patent document relates to transmembrane receptors, particularly to a human G protein-coupled receptor, more particularly to a CXC chemokine receptor subtype 3 (CXCR3), and most particularly to mutated (non-endogenous) version of the human CXCR3 for evidence of constitutive activity and uses thereof. In some embodiments the altered versions of CXCR3 are used, inter alia, for the direct identification of candidate compounds such as receptor agonists, inverse agonists, partial agonist or antagonist for use in, for example and not limitation, graft rejection; inflammatory skin disease; inflammatory bowel disease; allergic inflammation, allergic pulmonary inflammation, inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy, CNS inflammation; rheumatoid arthritis, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, periodontal disease and neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In certain embodiments, the GPCR is human. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by neuronal cells or muscle cells. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is neuroprotective or myoprotective. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is a Humanin receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of said GPCR. A preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in general, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, prion-associated disease, stroke and motor-neuron disease in particular, peripheral neuropathy, cerebral amyloid beta-protein angiopathy, and ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this patent document relates to transmembrane receptors , particularly to a human G protein-coupled receptor, more particularly to a CXC chemokine receptor subtype 3 (CXCR3), and most particularly to mutated (non-endogenous) version of the human CXCR3 for evidence of constitutive activity and uses thereof. In some embodiments the altered versions of CXCR3 are used, inter alia, for the direct identification of candidate compounds such as receptor agonists, inverse agonists, partial agonist or antagonist for use in, for example and not limitation, graft rejection; inflammatory skin disease; inflammatory bowel disease; allergic inflammation, allergic pulmonary inflammation, inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy, CNS inflammation; rheumatoid arthritis, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, periodontal disease and neurodegenerative disease.