University of California

Ernest M Wright

Bruce A Hirayama

Jorge R Barrio

Hermann Koepsell

Vladimir Kepe

Ana M Pajor

Ana Diez-Sampedro

Valentin Gorboulev

Christina Osswald

Radiolabeled tracers for sodium/glucose cotransporters (SGLTs), their synthesis, and their use are provided. The tracers are methyl or ethyl pyranosides having an equatorial hydroxyl group at carbon-2 and a C 1 preferred conformation, radiolabeled withF,I, orI, or free hexoses radiolabeled withF,I, or. Also provided are in vivo and in vitro techniques for using these and other tracers as analytical and diagnostic tools to study glucose transport, in health and disease, and to evaluate therapeutic interventions.

Tracers for monitoring the activity of sodium/glucose cotransporters in health and disease

Methods are provided for the modulation of hSGLT3 protein glucosensor activity. The sensor is expressed in cholinergic neurons that regulate muscle activity, and in tissues including the brain and pacreas. The present invention also provides methods of identifying therapeutic compounds that modify the function of these sensors. Such therapeutic compounds have a functional effect on regulators of muscle activity, including gastrointestinal smooth muscles; on regulation of weight and metabolism; regulation of pancreatic function, including glucagons release; and in taste perception.

Glucose sensor

The complete cDNA sequence encoding the amino acid sequence corresponding to mammalian Na.sup.+ /nucleoside cotransporter protein (SNST) is disclosed. Methods for obtaining the gene encoding SNST and for obtaining recombinantly produced SNST are described. Antibodies, an inhibitor of nucleoside transport by SNST, and methods for detecting other inhibitors are also described. Methods for inhibiting uptake of nucleosides by SNST using the compositions of the invention are also included.

Nucleoside cotransporter protein cDNA

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Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Ernest M Wright