The State University of New York

Merck + Co., Inc.

Guoping Feng

Linda M Hall

Jeffrey W Warmke

Leonardus H Van Der Ploeg

Joseph P Arena

Ken K Liu

Peiyi Wang

Genomic and cDNA clones corresponding to the tipE gen of Drosophila melanogaster are described. The tipE protein functions in concert with the para gene product, a polypeptide which exhibits similarity to mammalian voltage-dependent sodium channel .alpha. subunits but is not by itself functional. Coexpression of the tipE and para genes in a host cell affords functional cation channels. The invention accordingly provides screening assays for modulators of Drosophila cation channels employing cells expressing both tipE and para polypeptides, useful inter alia to evaluate candidate pesticidal agents.

Assays for modulators of drosophila cation channel function

DNAs encoding voltage-activated cation channels have been cloned and characterized. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells which produce active recombinant protein. The recombinant protein is also purified from the recombinant host cells.

Process for functional expression of the para cation channel

The present invention provides for the isolation of genomic fragments from Drosophila melanogaster encoding tipE protein, which protein is required for expression of functional voltage dependent cation channels. A positional cloning coupled with transformation strategy was used to identify and isolate the tipE gene. A cDNA corresponding to the gene encoding tipE is also provided and characterized. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a functional voltage dependent cation channel. Methods for making and using the cation channel are also provided.

Nucleic acids encoding drosophila tipE cation channel proteins and

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Guoping Feng