Assays For Screening Activity Of Modulators Of Members Of The Hydroxysteroid (17-Beta) Dehydrogenase (HSD17B) Family

A kit comprising:

• a hydroxysteroid (17-beta) dehydrogenase (HSD17B) family member protein or a cell expressing an HSD17B family member protein;
• a substrate for the HSD17B family member protein;
• and
• instructions for using the HSD17B family member protein and substrate in a method for screening a test compound for capability to inhibit the HSD17B family member protein.

A method for screening a test compound for capability to inhibit a hydroxysteroid (17-beta) dehydrogenase (HSD17B) family member protein, comprising:

• a) contacting a first cell expressing the HSD17B family member protein with a test compound and a substrate for the HSD17B family member protein;
• b) contacting a second cell expressing the same HSD17B family member protein with a control and a substrate for the HSD17B family member protein;
• c) determining the level of substrate depletion by the cell according to step a) and according to step b);
• and
• d) identifying the test compound as an inhibitor of the HSD17B family member protein when the level of substrate depletion according to step a) is lower than the level of substrate depletion produced according to step b).

A method for screening a test compound for capability to inhibit a hydroxysteroid (17-beta) dehydrogenase (HSD17B) family member protein, comprising:

• a) contacting a first cell expressing the HSD17B family member protein with a test compound and a substrate for the HSD17B family member protein;
• b) contacting a second cell expressing the same HSD17B family member protein with a control and a substrate for the HSD17B family member protein;
• c) determining the level of substrate product produced by the cell according to step a) and according to step b);
• and
• d) identifying the test compound as an inhibitor of the HSD17B family member protein when the level of substrate product produced according to step a) is lower than the level of substrate product produced according to step b).