Method for identifying compounds which affect synaptogenesis

Abstract

A method is provided for identifying a compound which affects 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 excretory 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 excretory 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.

1 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method for identifying a compound which affects the formation of synaptic connections at excitatory neurons, comprising:
 (a) incubating the compound and a cell expressing a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, under conditions to allow the compound to interact with the cell;   (b) determining an effect of the compound on the localization of Narp in excitatory neurons; and   (c) comparing the localization of Narp in excitatory neurons of said cell contacted with said compound with the localization of Narp in excitatory neurons of a cell not contacted with said compound, whereby localization of Narp at locations other than synaptic connections indicates that the compound affects the formation of synaptic connections at excitatory neurons,   
       thereby identifying a compound which affects the formation of synaptic connections at excitatory neurons. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the polypeptide is encoded by a polynucleotide comprised in an expression vector. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein said compound is selected from the group consisting of peptides, peptidomimetics, polypeptides, pharmaceuticals, chemical compounds, nucleic acids, antibodies, neurotropic agents, and anti-epileptic agents.