Transgenic UCP2 knockout mouse and use thereof

摘要

The present invention provides a transgenic non-human mammal which lacks a functional UCP2 gene. The UCP-2 deficient transgenic knockout mammal described herein provides a source of cells and animals useful to practice methods for the identification and/or evaluation of agents for their ability to affect signaling in cells, such as pancreatic beta-cells, in which ATP serves a regulatory function. Further aspect of the invention provide a method for the identification of agents (e.g., therapeutic agents) which inhibit UCP2 activity; a method for the identification of agents which mimic UCP2 activity and a method of treating diseases or conditions associated with UCP2 function (e.g., negative regulation or uncoupling activity).