METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING COMPOUNDS WHICH AFFECT SYNAPTOGENESIS

摘要

A method is provided for identifying a compound which affect the formation of AMPA receptors into aggregates. A method is also provided for identifying a compound which affects the formation of synaptic connections. A method is provided for identifying a compound that modulates immediate early gene expression. A method is further provided for increasing the number of excitory synapses of a neuron, including introducing into the neuron a polynucleotide sequence encoding a Narp operatively linked to a promoter, or a Narp polypeptide, thereby increasing the number of excitory synapses of the neuron. A method is provided for treating a subject with a disorder associated with a decrease in a function or expression of Narp, including administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that augments Narp function or expression. A method is provided for treating a subject with a disorder associated with an increase in a function or expression of Narp, including administering to the subject a therapeutically effective of a compound that inhibits Narp function or expression. A method is provided for treating a patient having or at risk of having a disorder associated with decreased Narp expression. The method includes introducing into a cell of a patient having a disorder associated with decreased Narp expression or function a polynucleotide sequence encoding a Narp polypeptide operatively linked to a promoter. A method is provided for treating a subject having a deficiency in a neuron's immediate early gene responsiveness to a stimulus. The method includes administering a nucleic acid encoding a Narp polypeptide to said subject, wherein the administration results in amelioration of the deficiency.