Screening methods using a novel human EP prostaglandin receptor

Abstract

A gene encoding the HP4 human prostaglandin receptor is disclosed. The protein encoded by this gene exhibits significant sequence identity with other prostaglandin receptors. The HP4 receptor, when expressed in eukaryotic cells, is capable of binding prostaglandins and their analogs and stimulating adenylate cyclase activity in response to prostaglandins. Also disclosed are antisense agents able to decrease or prevent translation of a human HP4 prostaglandin receptor.

1 - 10 . (canceled)  
     
     
         11 . A method of screening compounds able to bind to the prostaglandin HP4 receptor, comprising the steps: 
 a) culturing cells expressing the HP4 receptor,    b) incubating the expressed HP4 receptor in the presence of a compound suspected of being able to bind said receptor,    c) directly or indirectly detecting the formation of a complex comprising said HP4 receptor and said compound as an indication of the ability of said compound to bind said receptor.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said HP4 receptor comprises an amino acid sequence encoded by plasmid KS/HP4.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said HP4 receptor consists of said amino acid sequence.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising the step of incubating cell membranes of said cultured cells in the presence of a ligand having binding affinity for said receptor, and detecting or measuring displacement of said ligand from said isolated membranes in the presence of said compound as an indication of the ability of the compound to bind the HP4 receptor.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising a method for detecting an agonist of said HP4 receptor, and further comprising the steps: incubating said cells in the presence of said compound, and comparing production of cyclic AMP in said cells with cyclic AMP production in control cells not incubated with said compound, wherein increased production of cyclic AMP in said cells incubated with said compound indicates the ability of said compound to bind and stimulate the activity of said HP4 receptor.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said HP4 receptor comprises an amino acid sequence encoded by plasmid KS/HP4.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said HP4 receptor comprises an amino acid sequence encoded by plasmid KS/HP4.  
     
     
         18 - 20 . (canceled)