Compositions, reagents and kits for and methods of diagnosing, monitoring and treating obesity and/or diabetes

An isolated peptide comprising at least a 10 contiguous amino acid segment of SEQ ID NO:32, provided that any peptide containing a portion of amino acids 1-36 of SEQ ID NO:32 further comprises at least one amino acid from amino acids 37-117 of SEQ ID NO:32.

An isolated amino acid sequence having 90% identity with SEQ ID NO:32.

An isolated amino acid sequence coded by a nucleotide sequence having 90% identity to nucleotides 112 to 462 of SEQ ID NO:11.

An isolated amino acid sequence comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:32, wherein said amino acid sequence has at least one post-translational modification.

A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of:

• (a) an isolated peptide comprising at least a 10 contiguous amino acid segment of SEQ ID NO:32, provided that any peptide containing a portion of amino acids 1-36 of SEQ ID NO:32 further comprises at least one amino acid from amino acids 37-117 of SEQ ID NO:32;
• and
• (b) a purified antibody which binds specifically to the isolated peptide of (a).