Abstract:
The method provides methods and compositions for treating metabolic disorders such as impaired glucose tolerance, elevated blood glucose, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, obesity, and fatty liver.
Abstract:
Agonists of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) improve exercise and modify energy metabolism in a subject A combination of AMPK and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) delta agonists may also be used to improve exercise performance in a subject Methods for identifying substance-enhanced exercise performance in a subject, and methods for identifying compounds that affect the interaction of PPAR6 with exercise-induced kinases are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Provided herein are methods of characterizing the epigenetic signature of human induced pluripotent stem cells. The methods are useful in identifying human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), diagnostic markers for incomplete hiPSCs reprogramming, and characterization of the efficacy of different reprogramming techniques.
Abstract:
Provided herein is, inter alia, methods and compositions useful in therapeutic interrogation of complex physiologic pathways by massively parallel and permissive transcriptional screening. Thus, methods and compositions are provided herein that are useful for high-throughput functional analysis of complex, transcriptionally regulated physiological pathways. While examples are provided relating to nuclear receptors, the methods and composition can be generalized and applied to any class of transcription factor or any class of gene product that can regulate the activity of transcription. For example, in addition to nuclear receptors, the methods and compositions provided herein are generally applicable to all known transcription factors and any gene encoded product that modulates said transcription factor activity. Moreover, data obtained through the methods provided herein are directly comparable thereby facilitating high-throughput functional analysis.
Abstract:
The present invention provides compositions comprising the ligand binding domain (LBD) of a farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in crystalline form. In alternative embodiments, the LBD of FXR is complexed with a ligand therefor. There are provided high resolution structures of FXR complexed with a novel high affinity agonist, fexaramine. The discovered structure of a FXR LBD provides the first three-dimensional view of the structural basis for FXR ligand binding. The present invention further provides a computer for producing a three-dimensional representation of FXR or a complex thereof, and a computer for determining at least a portion of the structure coordinates of FXR or a complex thereof. The present invention further provides methods of using this structural information to predict molecules capable of binding to FXR; to identify compounds with agonist, antagonist or partial agonist activity for FXR; and to determine whether a test compound is capable of binding to the LBD of FXR. The present invention further provides compositions comprising compounds identified by such invention methods.
Abstract:
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor subunits designated PPARη and PPARδ are described. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the receptor subunits, expression vectors containing such sequences and host cells transformed with such vectors are also disclosed, as are heterodimeric PPAR receptors comprising at least one of the invention subunits, and methods for the expression of such novel receptors, and various uses therefor.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides FGF1 mutant proteins having one or more mutations in the heparin binding domain. Such mutants may also have an N-terminal deletion, point mutation(s), or combinations thereof. In some examples, the mutant FGF1 proteins have reduced mitogenic activity. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules that encode such proteins, and vectors and cells that include such nucleic acids. The disclosed FGF1 mutants can reduce blood glucose in a mammal, and in some examples are used to treat a metabolic disorder.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides FGF2 mutant proteins, such as those having an N-terminal deletion, point mutation(s), or combinations thereof, which can reduce blood glucose in a mammal. Thus, the disclosed mutant FGF2 proteins can be used to treat one or more metabolic diseases. In some examples, mutant FGF2 proteins have reduced mitogenic activity. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules that encode such proteins, and vectors and cells that include such nucleic acids. Methods of using the disclosed molecules to reduce blood glucose levels, for example to treat a metabolic disorder are also provided.
Abstract:
The efficient regulation of cholesterol synthesis, metabolism, acquisition, and transport is an essential component of lipid homeostasis. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a transcriptional sensor for bile acids, the primary product of cholesterol metabolism. Accordingly, the development of potent, selective, small molecule agonists, partial agonists, and antagonists of FXR would be an important step in further deconvoluting FXR physiology. In accordance with the present invention, the identification of novel potent FXR activators is described. Two derivatives of invention compounds, bearing stilbene or biaryl moieties, contain members that are the most potent FXR agonists reported to date in cell-based assays. These compounds are useful as chemical tools to further define the physiological role of FXR as well as therapeutic leads for the treatment of diseases linked to cholesterol, bile acids and their metabolism and homeostasis.