Abstract: The present invention discloses DNAs comprising nucleotide sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO:1 or NO:3 encoding Na+-driven Cl-/HCO3- exchanger, proteins comprising amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO:2 or NO:4, and their homologous proteins comprising an amino acid sequence having deletion, substitution, addition or insertion amino acids, which proteins, when expressed in a cell, functions as Na+-driven Cl-/HCO3- exchanger, and cells in which the proteins exogenously expressed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses DNAs comprising nucleotide sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO:1 or NO:3 encoding Na+-driven Cl—/HCO3— exchanger, proteins comprising amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO:2 or NO:4, and their homologous proteins comprising an amino acid sequence having deletion, substitution, addition or insertion amino acids, which proteins, when expressed in a cell, functions as Na+-driven Cl—/HCO3— exchanger, and cells in which the proteins exogenously expressed.

Abstract: What is described is a method for preparation of insulin-producing cells from non-insulin-producing cells. Mammalian fetal hepatocytes or hepatic progenitor cells are used ad the non-insulin-producing cells, and the method comprises culturing the mammalian fetal hepatocytes or the hepatic progenitor cells with 1-50 mmol/L of nicotinamide and concurrently bringing about expression of the PDX-1 gene or the NeuroD gene in the mammalian fetal hepatocytes.

Abstract: Provided is a protein used in the development of a therapeutic agent for neuron- or endocrine cell-related diseases, in which the transport system is involved. The protein has an amino acid sequence with one or more amino acids deleted, substituted, inserted or added relative to the amino acid sequence set forth under SEQ ID NO: 1 in the Sequence Listing and which has a property to interact with GDP/GTP exchange factor II.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel ATP-sensitive potassium-channel proteins which are present ubiquitously in the living bodies of animals, and their genes.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel ATP-sensitive potassium-channel proteins which are present ubiquitously in the living bodies of animals, and their genes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses DNAs comprising nucleotide sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1 or NO: 3 encoding Na+-driven Cl—/HCO3— exchanger, proteins comprising amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 2 or NO: 4, and their homologous proteins comprising an amino acid sequence having deletion, substitution, addition or insertion amino acids, which proteins, when expressed in a cell, functions as Na+-driven Cl—/HCO3— exchanger, and cells in which the proteins exogenously expressed.

Abstract: A Kir6.2 gene-defective, non-human mammal, a mouse in particular, its tissues and cells are provided, wherein the ATP-sensitive potassium channel Kir6.2 gene, one of the subunits of KATP channels essential for insulin secretion by pancreatic &bgr;-cells, is lost from one or both of the allelic loci.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel ATP-sensitive potassium-channel proteins which are present ubiquitously in the living bodies of animals, and their genes.

Abstract: The present invention provides DNAs of h.beta.IR and m.beta.IR, which are novel ATP-sensitive potassium channels being present specifically in the pancreatic cells, and proteins encoded by such DNAs, wherein by utilizing them, it is possible to produce said proteins in large quantities through the known genetic engineering techniques for use as a reagent in the research work as well as in the diagnosis and therapy for diabetes and other diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions of and methods for obtaining somatostatin receptors. The invention relates as well to the DNA sequences encoding somatostatin receptors, the recombinant vectors carrying those sequences, the recombinant host cells including either the sequences or vectors, and recombinant somatostatin receptor polypeptides. By way of example, the invention discloses the cloning and functional expression of at least three different somatostatin receptors, SSTR1, SSTR2 and SSTR3 from two different mammalian sources. The invention includes as well, methods for using the isolated, recombinant receptor polypeptides in assays designed to select and improve substances capable of interacting with somatostatin receptor polypeptides for use in diagnostic, drug design and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions of and methods for obtaining somatostatin receptors. The invention relates as well to the DNA sequences encoding somatostatin receptors, the recombinant vectors carrying those sequences, the recombinant host cells including either the sequences or vectors, and recombinant somatostatin receptor polypeptides. By way of example, the invention discloses the cloning and functional expression of at least three different somatostatin receptors, SSTR1, SSTR2 and SSTR3 from two different mammalian sources. The invention includes as well, methods for using the isolated, recombinant receptor polypeptides in assays designed to select and improve substances capable of interacting with somatostatin receptor polypeptides for use in diagnostic, drug design and therapeutic applications.