IDENTIFICATION OF TRPML3 (MCOLN3) AS A SALTY TASTE RECEPTOR AND USE IN ASSAYS FOR IDENTIFYING TASTE (SALTY) MODULATORS AND/OR THERAPEUTICS THAT MODULATE SODIUM TRANSPORT, ABSORPTION OR EXCRETION AND/OR ALDOSTERONE AND/OR VASOPRESSIN PRODUCTION OR RELEASE

摘要

High-throughput mammalian and medium-throughput oocyte-based electrophysiological assays for identifying human TRPML3 modulators, preferably TRPML3 enhancers are disclosed Compounds that modulate TRPML3 function in the assay are expected to affect salty taste in humans The electrophysiological assays, such as the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique, facilitate the identification of compounds which specifically modulate human TRPML3 The assays provide a robust screen useful to detect compounds that facilitate (enhance) or inhibit TRPML3 function and thereby modulate salty taste In addition, these compounds may be used to regulate sodium excretion, urinary output and other biological functions relating to sodium levels