The present invention features neuroblastoma and skin cell carcinoma cell lines functionally expressing MCHR1 and the use of such cells to measure MCHR1 activity. Functional expression is preferably achieved in a neuroblastoma or skin cell carcinoma using a recombinant gene expressing MCHR1. The presence of a recombinant MCHR1 gene increases the level of MCHR1 expression facilitating the production and detection of MCHR1 activity.
