| abstract |
(57) [Summary]nA nucleic acid molecule is provided that can be expressed in a host cell to produce a biologically active ob polypeptide that can effectively inhibit food intake and / or weight gain. Vectors and host cells containing the nucleic acid molecules, and methods for producing ob proteins and other ob polypeptides, methods for inducing production of ob polypeptides by in vivo or ex vivo gene therapy, and increasing food intake and / or weight Also provided are methods of inhibiting. Further provided are antibodies against ob polypeptides, and methods of using such antibodies for the identification or detection of ob polypeptides or homologs thereof, and for inhibiting ob polypeptide activity. Methods for identification, detection or isolation of ob receptors, and methods for generating antibodies to ob receptors are provided. The antibodies and polypeptides of the invention can be incorporated into kits for immunoassays. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising ob polypeptides and antibodies to ob polypeptides or ob receptors can be used for administration to animals and humans. |