A METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AN AGENT THAT MODULATES ARGININE TRANSPORT IN A CHONDROCYTE

摘要

The present invention relates to an assay method for identifying an agent that modulates arginine transport in a chondrocyte comprising the steps of: (a) identifying an agent that modulates the activity and/or expression of CAT-2; and (b) measuring arginine transport in the chondrocyte in the presence or absence of said agent, wherein a difference between: (a) arginine transport in the absence of the agent; and (b) arginine transport in the presence of the agent is indicative that the agent can modulate arginine transport in a chondrocyte. Therapeutic agents that modulate the expression or activity of CAT-2B could be beneficial for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, particularly osteoarthritis. For example, a CAT-2B antagonist may be useful for the treatment of osteoarthritis.