Methods of identifying candidate compounds of the human G protein-coupled receptor, GPR50, as modulators of body mass or adiposity

A method comprising:

• (a) administering to a mammal a compound which inhibits functionality of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 80% identity to SEQ ID NO:
• 2, wherein the receptor couples to a G protein;
• and
• (b) determining whether the compound confers protection from weight gain in the mammal.

A method comprising:

• (a) administering to a mammal a compound which stimulates functionality of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 80% identity to SEQ ID NO:
• 2, wherein the receptor couples to a G protein;
• and
• (b) determining whether the compound increases body mass in the mammal.

A method of identifying a compound as an agent for modulating body mass or adiposity in a mammal, comprising:

• (a) administering to a mammal a compound that inhibits functionality of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 80% identity to SEQ ID NO:
• 2, wherein the compound is a non-naturally occurring compound;
• and
• (b) determining whether the compound modulates body mass or adiposity in the mammal.