Abstract: The present invention provides a method of bioluminescence-driven optogenetic control of excitable cells. The excitable cell expresses a light-gated ion channel, and a luminescent protein can be expressed either in the excitable cell or in another cell proximal to the excitable cell. The methods of the invention can be used to desynchronize local activity of excitable cells in a mammalian tissue. The methods of the invention can be used to treat a disease or condition in a mammal, the disease or condition being related to bursting. The disease or condition can be Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, a sleep disorder, or a sensory-related disease or condition (e.g., attention deficit disorder or pain). The invention also provides a conjugate of containing a voltage-gated ion channel and a luminescent protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of bioluminescence-driven optogenetic control of excitable cells. The excitable cell expresses a light-gated ion channel, and a luminescent protein can be expressed either in the excitable cell or in another cell proximal to the excitable cell. The methods of the invention can be used to desynchronize local activity of excitable cells in a mammalian tissue. The methods of the invention can be used to treat a disease or condition in a mammal, the disease or condition being related to bursting. The disease or condition can be Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, a sleep disorder, or a sensory-related disease or condition (e.g., attention deficit disorder or pain). The invention also provides a conjugate of containing a voltage-gated ion channel and a luminescent protein.

Abstract: Methods for regulating body weight and/or regulating weight gain are provided herein. The methods are useful, for instance, for treating or preventing obesity. Specifically, methods of administering varying levels of various alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (?-MSH) analog compounds to an animal are provided for reducing body weight and/or reducing the rate of body weight gain.

Abstract: ACTH analog compounds of the present invention include compounds comprising an ACTH peptide sequence with one or more structural modifications that can have one or more of the following preferred ACTH analog biological functions: (1) reduction of corticosteroid secretion by adrenal membrane in the presence of the ACTH analog compared to unmodified ACTH, (2) reduction of corticosteroid secretion by adrenal membrane in the presence of endogenous ACTH and (3) increased MC-2R binding affinity with reduced activation of the MC-2R receptor compared to unmodified ACTH binding to the MC-2R melanocortin. The ACTH analog compounds of the present invention are therefore useful for treatment or prevention of diseases and disorders related to ACTH, ACTH receptors or corticosteroid secretion, such as premature labor and Cushing's Disease.

Abstract: ACTH analog compounds of the present invention include compounds comprising an ACTH peptide sequence with one or more structural modifications that can have one or more of the following preferred ACTH analog biological functions: (1) reduction of corticosteroid secretion by adrenal membrane in the presence of the ACTH analog compared to unmodified ACTH, (2) reduction of corticosteroid secretion by adrenal membrane in the presence of endogenous ACTH and (3) increased MC-2R binding affinity with reduced activation of the MC-2R receptor compared to unmodified ACTH binding to the MC-2R melanocortin. The ACTH analog compounds of the present invention are therefore useful for treatment or prevention of diseases and disorders related to ACTH, ACTH receptors or corticosteroid secretion, such as premature labor and Cushing's Disease.

Abstract: Methods for regulating body weight and/or regulating weight gain are provided herein. The methods are useful, for instance, for treating or preventing obesity. Specifically, methods of administering varying levels of various alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (?-MSH) analog compounds to an animal are provided for reducing body weight and/or reducing the rate of body weight gain.

Abstract: Methods for regulating body weight and/or regulating weight gain are provided herein. The methods are useful, for instance, for treating or preventing obesity. Specifically, methods of administering varying levels of various alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (?-MSH) analog compounds to an animal are provided for reducing body weight and/or reducing the rate of body weight gain.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions for regulating body weight and/or regulating the rate of weight gain or loss, and particularly, for treating or preventing obesity. Specifically, methods of administering varying levels of circulating proopiomelanocortin peptides or analogs thereof to an animal, alone or in combination with leptin or other body weight regulating agents are disclosed. Methods and compositions for treating a variety of disorders associated with or caused by undesirable body weight are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to identify compounds useful for reducing insulin resistance in a patient, and particularly a patient that has insulin resistance associated with obesity and/or type II diabetes. Also disclosed is a method of reducing insulin resistance in a patient by administering a compound identified using the method of the invention, and particularly, by administering an antagonist of melanocortin stimulating hormone (MSH) biological activity.

Abstract: Described is a genetically modified non-human animal model for studying the peripheral and central pathways of energy homeostasis. Also disclosed are methods of identifying compounds for regulating such pathways and a Pomc mutant mouse.

Abstract: Described are methods for identifying compounds useful for regulation of body weight and associated conditions. In particular, methods are disclosed for identification of compounds that preferentially bind to and/or activate peripheral melanocortin receptors and which minimize binding and/or activation of central melanocortin receptors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to identify compounds useful for reducing insulin resistance in a patient, and particularly a patient that has insulin resistance associated with obesity and/or type II diabetes. Also disclosed is a method of reducing insulin resistance in a patient by administering a compound identified using the method of the invention, and particularly, by administering an antagonist of melanocortin stimulating hormone (MSH) biological activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a genetically modified non-human animal that is a model for defective folate transport. Specifically the non-human animal comprises a genetic modification that results in decreased or absent expression and/or biological activity of the endogenous reduced folate carrier. The animal can be further modified by introduction into the genome of a nucleic acid molecule encoding the human reduced folate carrier. Such an animal can be used in methods to identify compounds useful for treating a variety of conditions associated with defective folate transport, or for the identification of anti-folate compounds useful for treating cancer. The animal can also be used to study the biochemical and molecular events associated with folate transport. Compounds identified using such a model are valuable for therapeutic treatments.