Human narcolepsy gene

Abstract

The gene for hypocretin (orexin) receptor 2 (HCRTR2), which is associated with narcolepsy, is disclosed. Also described are methods of diagnosis of narcolepsy, pharmaceutical compositions comprising nucleic acids comprising the HCRTR2 gene, as well as methods of therapy of narcolepsy.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . Isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleic acid having SEQ ID NO:1.  
     
     
         2 . A DNA construct comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1  operatively linked to a regulatory sequence.  
     
     
         3 . A recombinant host cell comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1  operatively linked to a regulatory sequence.  
     
     
         4 . A method of diagnosing narcolepsy in an individual, comprising detecting a mutation in the gene encoding hypocretin (orexin) receptor 2, wherein the presence of the mutation in the gene is indicative of narcolepsy.  
     
     
         5 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a nucleic acid comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         6 . A method of treating narcolepsy in an individual, comprising administering to the individual an isolated nucleic acid of  claim 1  in a therapeutically effective amount.