Uses of FAHD1

A method for the prevention or treatment of aberrations of the energy metabolism of the nervous system, pancreas, kidney, liver, muscles or adipose tissue comprising administering to a patient in need thereof FAHD1 or a homologue thereof, which comprises an amino acid sequence with at least 80% identity to FAHD1.

A pharmaceutical composition comprising FAHD1 or a homologue thereof, which comprises an amino acid sequence with at least 80% identity to FAHD1, and a pharmaceutical acceptable additive.

A pharmaceutical composition comprising an oligonucleotide derived from a gene encoding for FAHD1 a homologue thereof, which comprises an amino acid sequence with at least 80% identity to FAHD1, and a pharmaceutical acceptable additive.

A method of decarboxylating an organic compound, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing FAHD1 or a homologue thereof, which comprises an amino acid sequence with at least 80% identity to FAHD1, and a starting organic compound,
• b) contacting FAHD1 or the homologue thereof and the starting organic compound with each other under conditions suitable to facilitate decarboxylation of the starting organic compound and
• c) obtaining a decarboxylated organic compound.

A method of identifying a compound that inhibits the catalytic activity of FAHD1 or a homologue thereof, which comprises an amino acid sequence with at least 80% identity to FAHD1, comprising:

• i) providing a candidate compound,
• ii) contacting FAHD1 or the homologue thereof with the test compound under conditions allowing for the catalytic activity of FAHD1,
• iii) determining whether the candidate compound inhibits the catalytic activity of FAHD1 or homologue thereof in comparison to the catalytic activity of FAHD1 or homologue thereof in absence of the candidate compound under same conditions.

A kit for identification of a FAHD1 inhibitor comprising FAHD1 or a homologue thereof, which comprises an amino acid sequence with at least 80% identity to FAHD1, a substrate of FAHD1, and an instruction to determine catalytic activity of FAHD1.

A method of treatment or prevention of a disease involving an aberration of the energy metabolism comprising administering FAHD1 or a homologue thereof, which comprises an amino acid sequence with at least 80% identity to FAHD1, or comprising administering an oligonucleotide derived from a gene encoding for FAHD1 or a homologue thereof, to a patient in need thereof.