Methods of identifying compounds for the treatment of fibrosis by using S1PR5

An in vitro method for identifying a compound that inhibits fibroblast migration or differentiation, said method comprising:

• a) contacting a test compound with a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
• 57 or 58, or with a cell expressing said polypeptide;
• b) measuring a binding affinity of the test compound to said polypeptide, or measuring expression, amount or an activity of said polypeptide;
• c) contacting the test compound with a population of fibroblasts;
• d) measuring fibroblast migration or differentiation;
• and
• e) identifying a compound capable of inhibiting fibroblast migration or differentiation and demonstrating binding affinity to said polypeptide or reducing or inhibiting the expression, amount or an activity of said polypeptide.