Abstract: The present application identifies the involvement of the HIF?-homologous Arntl2 gene in the control of type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of determining the susceptibility of a subject to developing insulin-dependent diabetes based on the expressing level of the Arntl2 gene. The present invention also provides a method for identifying compounds effective for treating or preventing insulin-dependent diabetes in a subject in need thereof and a method of treating or preventing insulin-dependent diabetes by administering an effective amount of compound identified by the identification method. The present invention also provides a method of enhancing protection against insulitis progression or autoimmune diabetes development in a subject in need thereof comprising, enhancing expression of the Arntl2 gene or modulating the expression of target genes thereof.

Abstract: A method for screening neural system defects in a human comprises: (A) providing chromosomal material from the human; (B) detecting a modification of the NAP1L2 gene in the chromosomal material, wherein the modification is selected from a) substitution, b) deletion, c) frame-shift, or d) insertion that causes a loss of biological function in the NAP1L2 gene; and (C) correlating the modification of the gene with a potential for a neural system defect. The method can also be practiced with the mouse Nap1l2 gene.

Abstract: A method for screening neural system defects in a human comprises: (A) providing chromosomal material from the human; (B) detecting a modification of the NAP1L2 gene in the chromosomal material, wherein the modification is selected from a) substitution, b) deletion, c) frame-shift, or d) insertion that causes a loss of biological function in the NAP1L2 gene; and (C) correlating the modification of the gene with a potential for a neural system defect. The method can also be practiced with the mouse Nap1l2 gene.