Merck + Co., Inc.

Lin-Lin Shiao

Margaret A Cascieri

Douglas J MacNeil

Catherine D Strader

David L Linemeyer

Carina P Tan

David H Weinberg

Michael R Tota

Kathleen A Sullivan

Diana Benincasa

Lyndon J Mitnaul

Methods of identifying inhibitors of the fusion of two types of cells, particularly when fusion is mediated by the interaction of a viral protein and such cellular proteins as CD4 and chemokine receptors, are disclosed. The methods are suitable for identifying substances that are useful for the treatment and prevention of viral diseases. Particularly preferred methods are useful for the identification of inhibitors of HIV-1 infection.

Cell fusion assays using fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Neuropeptide Y receptor

A novel mammalian neuropeptide Y receptor and method of making the receptor are provided. The invention includes DNA encoding the receptor, the receptor, assays employing the receptor, cells expressing the receptor, antibodies which bind specifically to the receptor, RNA encoded by the DNA sequence or its complementary sequence, and single-stranded DNA with a sequence complementary to the RNA which encodes the receptor. The receptor and assays employing the receptor are useful for identifying compounds which bind to the receptor, including specific modulators of the receptor. Such compounds are useful for treating a variety of disease conditions, including obesity, diabetes, anxiety, hypertension, cocaine withdrawal, congestive heart failure, memory enhancement, cardiac and cerebral vasospasm, pheochromocytoma and ganglioneuroblastoma, and Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Growing community of inventors

Avenel, NJ, United States of America

Lin-Lin Shiao