Mitokor, Inc.

University of California

Migenix, Inc.

James A Dykens

Soumitra S Ghosh

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Robert E Davis

Anne N Murphy

Robert Terkeltaub

Andrew E Granston, Jr

The present invention relates to improved diagnostic methods for early detection of a risk for developing an arthritic disorder in humans, and screening assays for therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of arthritic disorders, by comparing the levels of one or more indicators of altered mitochondrial function. Indicators of altered mitochondrial function include enzymes such as mitochondrial enzymes and ATP biosynthesis factors. Other indicators of altered mitochondrial function include mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial number and mitochondrial DNA content, cellular responses to elevated intracellular calcium and to apoptogens, and free radical production. Methods of treating, and of stratifying, human patients as such methods relate to disclosed indicators of altered mitchondrial function are also provided.

Methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating arthritic disorders and regulating bone mass

The invention provides compositions and methods for monitoring subcellular compartments such as organelles by energy transfer techniques that do not require specific intermolecular affinity binding events between energy transfer donor and energy transfer acceptor molecules. Provided are methods for assaying cellular membrane potential, including mitochondrial membrane potential, by energy transfer methodologies including fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Diagnostic and drug screening assays are also provided.

Compositions and methods for assaying subcellular conditions and processes using energy transfer

The invention is provides compositions and methods for monitoring subcellular compartments such as organelles by energy transfer techniques that do not require specific intermolecular affinity binding events between energy transfer donor and energy transfer acceptor molecules. Provided are methods for assaying cellular membrane potential, including mitochondrial membrane potential, by energy transfer methodologies including fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Diagnostic and drug screening assays are also provided.

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Encinitas, CA, United States of America

James A Dykens