Method of identifying urotensin ii receptor antagonists

摘要

The invention provides a method of identifying a urotensin II (U II) receptor agonist or antagonist. The method consists of contacting an isolated U II receptor with one or more candidate compounds under conditions wherein the U II receptor produces a predetermined signal in response to U II, and identifying a candidate compound that alters production of the signal. Such a compound is characterized as a U II receptor agonist or antagonist. Also provided is a method of identifying a U II receptor ligand. The method consists of contacting an isolated U II receptor with one or more candidate compounds in the presence of detectably labeled U II, and identifying a compound that decreases binding of the detectably labeled U II to the U II receptor. Such a compound is characterized as a U II receptor ligand. The invention also provides a composition, having an isolated U II receptor and detectably labeled U II.