STUDY AND TREATMENT OF DISEASES RELATED TO SPECIFIC CELLULAR FUNCTIONS OF RECEPTOR PROTEIN TYROSINE KINASES

摘要

The invention relates to methods of evaluating the specific function of a receptor protein tyrosine kinase in cells by activating the receptor in a ligand independent fashion. In addition, the invention includes methods of identifying compounds that modulate receptor protein tyrosine kinase function. The invention also relates to a method of preventing or treating an abnormal condition caused by an aberration in the function of the C-RET receptor, and specifically to the treatment and prevention of neuro-degenerative disorders by administering a compound that modulates the function of the C-RET receptor.