Airu S Chen

US Patent:

7321074, Jan 22, 2008

Filed:

Nov 9, 2000

Appl. No.:

10/129599

Inventors:

Leonardus H. T. Van Der Ploeg - Scotch Plains NJ, US
Howard Y. Chen - Westfield NJ, US
Airu S. Chen - Westfield NJ, US

Assignee:

Merck & Co., Inc. - Rahway NJ

International Classification:

A01K 67/027
C12N 5/00
C12N 5/06
C12N 5/10

US Classification:

800 18, 435325, 435352, 435354

Abstract:

Cells and non-human transgenic animals have been engineered to be deficient in the gene encoding the melcanocortin-3 receptor protein (MC-3R). MC-3R deficient transgenic animals have increased fatmass and reduced lean body mass, showing that the MC-3R protein is involved in the regulation of body fat and muscle mass. These MC-3R deficient transgenic animals can be used to select for and test potential modulators of MC-3R. This data allows for methods of screening for MC-3R modulators which effect body weight and associated methods of treating various disorders associated with inappropriate regulation of body weight. The disclosure also relates to a MC-3R/MC-4R double knockout mouse which can be used to select for and test potential modulators (e. g. , agonists or antagonists) of MC-3R and/or MC-4R. It is shown that MC-3R serves a non-redundant role, when compared to MC-4R, in the regulation of energy homeostasis.

US Patent:

20050034185, Feb 10, 2005

Filed:

Jun 25, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/603249

Inventors:

Leonardus Van der Ploeg - Sctoch Plains NJ, US
Howard Chen - Westfield NJ, US
Airu Chen - Westfield NJ, US

Assignee:

Merek & Co., Inc. - Rahway NJ

International Classification:

A01K067/027
C12N005/06

US Classification:

800018000, 435354000

Abstract:

Cells and non-human transgenic animals have been engineered to be deficient in the gene encoding the melcanocortin-3 receptor protein (MC-3R). MC-3R deficient transgenic animals have increased fatmass and reduced lean body mass, showing that the MC-3R protein is involved in the regulation of body fat and muscle mass. These MC-3R deficient transgenic animals can be used to select for and test potential modulators of MC-3R. This data allows for methods of screening for MC-3R modulators which effect body weight and associated methods of treating various disorders associated with inappropriate regulation of body weight. The disclosure also relates to a MC-3R/MC-4R double knockout mouse which can be used to select for and test potential modulators (e.g., agonists or antagonists) of MC-3R and/or MC-4R. It is shown that MC-3R serves a non-redundant role, when compared to MC-4R, in the regulation of energy homeostasis.

US Patent:

6639123, Oct 28, 2003

Filed:

Nov 9, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/709066

Inventors:

Leonardus H. T. Van der Ploeg - Sctoch Plains NJ
Howard Y. Chen - Westfield NJ
Airu S. Chen - Westfield NJ

Assignee:

Merck Co., Inc. - Rahway NJ

International Classification:

A01K 67027

US Classification:

800 18, 800 13, 800 14, 800 21, 800 25, 435325, 435352, 435354, 435361

Abstract:

Cells and non-human transgenic animals have been engineered to be deficient in the gene encoding the melcanocortin-3 receptor protein (MC-3R). MC-3R deficient transgenic animals have increased fatmass and reduced lean body mass, showing that the MC-3R protein is involved in the regulation of body fat and muscle mass. These MC-3R deficient transgenic animals can be used to select for and test potential modulators of MC-3R. This data allows for methods of screening for MC-3R modulators which effect body weight and associated methods of treating various disorders associated with inappropriate regulation of body weight. The disclosure also relates to a MC-3R/MC-4R double knockout mouse which can be used to select for and test potential modulators (e. g. , agonists or antagonists) of MC-3R and/or MC-4R. It is shown that MC-3R serves a non-redundant role, when compared to MC-4R, in the regulation of energy homeostasis.