Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for modulating serum cholesterol in a subject mammal. In one aspect, the invention features novel anti-lipemic drugs that include at least one identified effector of the Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and at least one identified serum cholesterol inhibitor. In a particular aspect, the drugs include one identified sphingolipid or protein modifying same linked to one identified serum cholesterol inhibitor. Additionally provided are methods for identifying anti-lipemic drugs capable of modulating the LDL receptor and specifically SREBP-1 maturation, including assays designed to identify pharmacological drugs capable of stabilizing or reducing serum cholesterol levels in a mammal and particularly a human patient.

Abstract: A rapid, simple, and inexpensive sandwich enzyme-linked receptor based immunodot assay detects pathogens or pathogenic products in test samples using receptors for a characteristic component of the pathogen. This assay is widely applicable because it is highly specific, it does not require special equipment, and the results can be obtained within a few hours with the naked eye. Since the lipid-based receptors have a long-shelf life, they can be easily stored and used for a long time.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for treatment and prophylaxis of conditions associated with lactosylceramide. The methods generally provide for administration to a mammal, particularly a human, of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that increases enzymatic activity of UDPGal:GlcCer&bgr;1→4 galactosylceramide (GalT-2). In vitro and in vivo assays for detecting compounds with therapeutic capacity to modulate GalT-2 are also provided.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids are provided that encode human neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase) and N-SMase fragments and derivatives capable of hybridizing to such N-SMase-encoding nucleic acids. The invention also includes isolated recombinant human neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase) and N-SMase fragments and derivatives are also provided. Novel assays are also provided to identify compounds useful in the diagnosis or treatment of human neutral sphingomyelinase related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for treatment and prophylaxis of diseases, post-surgical disorders and bacterial infections associated with lactosylceramide. The methods generally provide for administration for a mammal, particularly a human, of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that inhibits UDPGal:GlcCer&bgr;1−>4 galactosylceramide (GalT-2). In vitro and in vivo assays for detecting compounds with therapeutic capacity to modulate GalT-2 are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for treatment and prophylaxis of diseases, post-surgical disorders and bacterial infections associated with lactosylceramide. The methods generally provide for administration for a mammal, particularly a human, of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that inhibits UDPGal:GlcCer.beta.1->4 galactosylceramide (GalT-2). In vitro and in vivo assays for detecting compounds with therapeutic capacity to modulate GalT-2 are also provided.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids are provided that encode human neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase) and N-SMase fragments and derivatives capable of hybridizing to such N-SMase-encoding nucleic acids. The invention also includes isolated recombinant human neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase) and N-SMase fragments and derivatives are also provided. Novel assays are also provided to identify compounds useful in the diagnosis or treatment of human neutral sphingomyelinase related disorders.