Genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) polypeptides and the nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides are provided.

The instant invention provides methods and compositions related to discovery of Free Fatty Acid Receptor 1 (FFA1) as a therapeutic target for treatment or prevention of diseases or disorders of neurons that are characterized by angiogenesis, or of vascular diseases of the eye, retinal degeneration and/or tumors more generally. Therapeutic and/or prophylactic uses and compositions of known FFA1 inhibitors, including small molecules and nucleic acid agents, are described. Methods for identification of novel FFA1 inhibitors are also provided.

Provided are an odorant receptor marker of microglia and a use thereof, and according to the odorant receptor marker of microglia and a use thereof according to one aspect, microglia may be detected by measuring an activity or expression level of a protein of an odorant receptor (OR) Olfr110 or Olfr111, and OR ligands of microglia may be selected using them, and an inhibitor or activator against the interaction between the OR and 2-pentylfuran is effectively used in treatment of a neuroinflammatory disease or meningitis.

A chemical sensor for detecting a target substance in a gas sample, including a membrane; and an olfactory receptor fragment which is fixed to the membrane. The chemical sensor optionally includes a source electrode connected to one end of the membrane; and a drain electrode connected to the other end of the membrane, in which the membrane is a graphene.

The invention relates to antibodies or antibody fragments capable of binding to G-protein alpha, nucleic acid sequences coding for the antibody, vectors comprising the nucleic acid sequence, cells comprising the vector or the nucleic acid sequence and a kit-of-parts comprising (i) the antibody or antibody fragment or the composition and (ii) a source of GTP labeled with a member of a pair of RET partners.

In some embodiments, methods of inhibiting, ameliorating, reducing the severity of, treating, reducing the likelihood of, or preventing social isolation stress or symptoms thereof in a subject in need thereof are described. In some embodiments, methods of determining a risk of social isolation stress in a subject are described.

The present invention is directed to cell-protective, in particular, cardio- and renal-protective organic compounds, preferably to organic compounds that inhibit substrate phosphorylation by the G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2, ADRBK1). Preferably, the organic compounds inhibit the GRK2-mediated phosphorylation of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1, ASF-1, SF2) and/or phosducin for treating hypertension, heart diseases, heart dysfunction or failure and heart disease-associated pathologies, e.g. cardiomyocyte necrosis, ischemic cardiac disease and/or ischemic heart damage or ageing. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a method for the identification of inhibitors of the (GRK2)-mediated phosphorylation of (SRSF1) and/or phosducin.

Assay for real-time simultaneous recruitment of arrestin isoforms (e.g., β-arrestin), to a receptor, such as a G protein-coupled receptor (e.g., DOR); a biosensor; a bioarray; and a kit.

The present invention relates to novel antibodies and fragments thereof that binds cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor. The antibodies and fragments thereof as disclosed herein include humanized antibodies that bind CB1 receptor. The invention also includes uses of the antibodies for treating a disease or disorder responsive to antagonism or agonism of the CB1 receptor.

A gastrin analogue shows high uptake in CCK-2 receptor positive tumors and simultaneously a very low accumulation in the kidneys. This is achieved by a mini-gastrin analogue PP-F11 having the formula: PP-F11-X-DGlu-DGlu-DGlu-DGlu-DGlu-DGlu-Ala-Tyr-Gly-Trp-Y-Asp-Phe-NH.sub.2, wherein Y is an amino acid replacing methionine and X is a chemical group attached to the peptide for diagnostic and/or therapeutic intervention at CCK-2 receptor relevant diseases. Very suitable compounds with respect to a high tumor to kidney ratio are mini-gastrin analogues with six D-glutamic acids or six glutamines. These compounds still possess a methionine which can be oxidized easily which is a disadvantage for clinical application under GMP due to the forms which may occur. The elimination of the methionine leads to a lower affinity to oxidation which in general favors the tumor-kidney-ratio. Ideally, the methionine is replaced by norleucine. This PP-F11N mini gastrin exhibits currently the best tumor-kidney-ratio and is the most promising candidate.