SPINSTER-LIKE PROTEIN GENES, EXPRESSION PRODUCTS, NON-HUMAN ANIMAL MODEL: USES IN HUMAN METABOLIC DISORDERS

摘要

The present invention relates to a non-human vertebrate animal model displaying an alteration in fat metabolism or in the sensitivity towards leptin or insulin, which model bears a mutation in the gene encoding the spinster like 1 protein (Spinl1). The invention also relates to mutant Spinl1 proteins and nucleic acid sequences encoding these proteins. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the non-human vertebrate animal model for the identification of diagnostic markers, or as a model for studying the molecular and physiological mechanisms associated with an alteration in fat metabolism or an alteration in the sensitivity towards leptin or insulin, or for the identification and testing of agents useful in the prevention, amelioration, or treatment of the above conditions. Agents, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for treating the above conditions are likewise described, as are methods for identifying said agents.