| abstract |
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of brown adipose cell disorders, includins, but not limited to, obesity, overweight, anorexia, or diabetes. The invention further provides methods for identifying a compound capable of treating a brown adipose cell disorder. The invention also provides methods for identifying a compound capable of modulating a brown adipose cell activity. Yet further, the invention provides a method for modulating a brown adipose cell activity. In addition, the invention provides a method for treating a subject having a brown adipose cell disorder characterized by aberrant CIDE-A polypeptide activity or aberrant CIDE-A nucleic acid expression. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for increasing thermogenesis in a subject and methods for modulating brown adipose cell apoptosis in a subject. |