Abstract: This invention relates to the gene encoding gerbil neurokinin 1 receptor (gNK1r) and to proteins encoded by the gene, as well as to means of regulating their biological activity. In addition the invention relates to the use of the gene and protein to identify therapeutic agents for controlling asthma, pain, depression, anxiety, emesis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, migraine, urinary incontinence and schizophrenia.