Methods and compositions for modulating necdin function
AssigneeJoslin Diabetes Center, Inc.
InventorsC. Kahn, Yu-Hua Tseng
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described herein are methods for identifying and using inhibitors of Necdin function to promote brown adipose tissue (BAT) differentiation, thereby treating obesity.
Claims21
A method of promoting brown adipocyte tissue (BAT) differentiation, the method comprising contacting a preadipocyte or adipocyte cell or tissue with an inhibitor of Necdin function in an amount sufficient to promote BAT differentiation.
A method of identifying an agent that promotes BAT differentiation, the method comprising identifying an agent that decreases expression, levels or activity of Necdin.
A method of identifying a candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of obesity, the method comprising:
- providing an animal model of obesity;
- administering an agent that promotes BAT differentiation to the animal model;
- and
- evaluating the effect of the agent on obesity in the animal model;
- wherein an agent that decreases obesity in the animal model is a candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of obesity.
A method of determining if a subject is at risk for weight gain or obesity, the method comprising:
- obtaining a test sample comprising cells from the subject;
- evaluating the expression, protein level or activity of Necdin in the test sample;
- and
- comparing the expression, protein level or activity of Necdin in the test sample to that in a control,
- wherein a decrease in the expression, protein level or activity of Necdin in the test sample relevant to the control indicates that the subject is at risk for weight gain or obesity.
A method of decreasing fat stores or weight in a subject, the method comprising identifying a subject in need of decreasing fat stores or weight, and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of Necdin function in an amount sufficient to promote BAT differentiation in the subject.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.